Can you imagine if we didn’t have a skeleton? We would be a mass of bones, skin and organs without the ability to move. Thanks to our skeleton, also known as the skeletal system or the skeletal system, our body maintains its shape and structure. The skeletal system works in conjunction with the muscular apparatus to allow us to move and rest. It also has the functions of protecting our internal organs, for example, the skull protects the brain, while the ribs prevent damage to internal organs such as the heart and lungs, as well as store important minerals such as calcium and phosphorus. Another interesting function of the skeletal system is the production of blood cells. There is a soft material called bone marrow inside the bones.

How is the skeletal or skeletal system formed?

Our skeleton is made up of more than 206 bones. However, the skeletal or skeletal system includes more than just bones. It is also composed of tendons, ligaments and cartilage.

Tendons attach our bones to muscles so we can move. Ligaments join bones to other bones. Cartilage is an elastic tissue that lines the joints and is also found in our nose and ears. If you touch your ears or the tip of your nose, you will notice that this tissue is not rigid, this is because it is made up of cartilage.

What are bones made of?

Bones are structures made up of different layers. On the outside of each bone is a layer called the periosteum. The periosteum helps the bone grow, supplies it with blood, and allows muscles to attach to the bone.

Below the periosteum we find a layer of compact tissue that makes the bones solid and strong.

Beneath the compact tissue is the spongy tissue. This part of the bone is light but still very strong. In some bones, red bone marrow fills the holes in cancellous bone. Red bone marrow is important because it makes blood cells. In the center of a bone is a hollow tube called the medullary cavity filled with yellow bone marrow which serves as a reserve of fats that provide energy.

How do broken bones heal?

When a bone breaks, we say that there was a fracture. Like other parts of the body, bones can heal. At the fracture site, the bones will produce new cells and small blood vessels that line the broken part of the bone and fuse or close it. However, for this to happen, the bone needs to be held immobile through bandages, casts, or splints.

Move the skeleton!

If you can run, jump and ride a bike… do it! Exercise is essential for the growth and strengthening of bones.

✔ Babies are born with about 300 bones, but as they grow they will end up with 206 bones. This is because, over time, some bones fuse together, so two bones can become one.

✔ In our ear we find the smallest bone called stirrup. The stirrup is smaller than a grain of rice and is attached to the smallest muscle in the body, the stapedius.