The Human Skeletal System

Explore the intricate framework that supports our bodies with our engaging STEM session on the human skeletal system. Join us as we delve into the bones, joints, and connective tissues that make up this vital system.

The Human Skeletal System: Our Body’s Framework

The Skeletal System is the framework of bones that supports our body. It gives us shape, protects our organs, and helps us move. Without bones, our bodies would be soft and unable to stand upright! The adult human body has 206 bones, all working together to provide structure and function.

Major Functions of the Skeletal System:

1. Support – The skeleton holds up our body and keeps everything in place, giving our body shape and structure.
2. Movement – Joints (places where bones connect) allow us to move. Muscles pull on bones to help us walk, run, and lift things.
3. Protection – Bones protect important organs. For example:
   • The skull protects the brain.
   • The ribcage protects the heart and lungs.
   • The spine protects the spinal cord, which carries messages between the brain and body.
4. Blood Cell Production – Bones contain bone marrow, which produces red blood cells (carry oxygen), white blood cells (fight infections), and platelets (help blood clot).
5. Storage – Bones store calcium and phosphorus, which are essential minerals that keep bones strong and help with muscle function.
6. Hearing – The skeletal system also plays a role in hearing. The three smallest bones in the body, located in the middle ear, help transmit sound vibrations.

Important Bones in the Human Body

• Skull – Protects the brain and supports the face.
• Spine (Vertebrae) – A column of 33 small bones that supports the back and allows flexibility.
• Ribcage – Protects the heart, lungs, and other vital organs.
• Humerus – The upper arm bone, connecting the shoulder to the elbow.
• Femur – The longest and strongest bone in the body, found in the thigh.
• Smallest Bone – Stapes – The stapes is the smallest bone in the human body, located in the middle ear. It is part of the three ear bones that help us hear.
• The Three Small Bones in the Ear:
  1. Malleus (Hammer)
  2. Incus (Anvil)
  3. Stapes (Stirrup) These bones work together to transfer sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear.

Joints as Part of the Skeletal System

Joints are where two or more bones meet, allowing movement and flexibility. There are different types of joints in the body:

• Fixed Joints – Do not allow movement (e.g., skull bones).
• Hinge Joints – Move in one direction like a door hinge (e.g., knees, elbows).
• Ball-and-Socket Joints – Allow a wide range of movement (e.g., shoulders, hips).
• Pivot Joints – Allow rotation (e.g., neck).
• Gliding Joints – Allow bones to slide over one another (e.g., wrist, ankle).

(Download the pdf version of the article here for more details)

How to Keep Your Bones Healthy

• Eat calcium-rich foods like milk, cheese, yogurt, leafy greens, and almonds to strengthen bones.
• Get enough Vitamin D from sunlight, eggs, and fish. It helps the body absorb calcium.
• Exercise regularly – Running, jumping, and weight-bearing exercises help build and maintain bone strength.
• Avoid injuries by wearing protective gear like helmets, knee pads, and seat belts.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle – Avoid smoking and limit soda consumption, as they can weaken bones over time.

Bones are essential in everything we do!

• Athletes rely on strong bones for running and jumping.
• Dancers need flexible joints and bones to move gracefully.
• Doctors use X-rays to examine bones and identify fractures.
• When a bone breaks, doctors use casts or splints to help it heal properly.

The skeletal system is essential for our body’s movement, support, protection, and even hearing. It also produces blood cells and stores important minerals. By taking care of our bones through proper diet, exercise, and safety precautions, we can keep them strong and healthy for life!

References

• National Institutes of Health. (n.d.). Bones: Basics and Beyond. Retrieved from https://www.niams.nih.gov
• KidsHealth. (n.d.). Your Bones. Retrieved from https://kidshealth.org