Describe the location and the function of the skeletal system

The skeletal system is extensive and includes all bones, cartilage, and ligaments. The
adult body comprises of 206 bones (Colbert, Ankney, & Lee, 2013). The young have more bones
since some bones fuse as one progresses to adulthood. The skeletal system helps in shaping the
body as well as providing the body with much-needed support. The skeletal system also helps in
protecting the soft tissues and organs that are located in the body. Internal organs
that are protected by the body include the heart, brain, lungs, and pelvic organs. Minerals such as
calcium and phosphate are stored in the bones (Colbert, Ankney, & Lee, 2013). The bone
marrow that is found within the bones helps in the storage of fat as well as the production of
white blood cells. The skeletal system accounts for up to 20 percent of an individual’s body
weight. There is a difference between the male skeletal system and the female skeletal system.
The male skeletal system has a higher bone mass and is longer. On the other hand, the female
skeletal system has a broader pelvis that is designed to accommodate childbirth.
Explain the different classifications of bone and provide at least two examples of each type.
The skeleton can be broken down into two major divisions, namely the axial and the
appendicular system. The axial skeleton comprises of all bones that are vertical in the body. It
includes bones located in the head, neck, back, and chest. The axial system comprises of 80
bones. The axial skeleton includes bones of the bony thorax, hyoid bone, bones of the middle ear
and skull. The axial skeleton aids in the protection of the brain, heart, and lungs (Colbert,

Ankney, & Lee, 2013). The axial system is also important since it forms the attachment point of
various muscles. These muscles move the head, neck, and back.
The skull plays an important role in housing the brain. It also contains openings for
sensory organs such as eyes and ears. The skull has an oral cavity that is an important passage
for both the digestive system and the respiratory system. Examples of bones in the skull include
parietal, temporal, and frontal. The bones of the chest form the bony thorax. The bony thorax
constitutes of bones that protect the lungs. Among the bones in the bony thorax include ribs. The
spinal column constitutes a set of bones that protect the spinal cord. The appendicular system
includes the bones that constitute the upper and lower limbs. The appendicular skeleton also
contains bones that help attach each limb to the axial skeleton. Examples of bones in the
appendicular skeleton are ulna, carpals, and humerus.
Further, explain the process of bone growth and repair.
Broken bones are a common occurrence. Fractures are a result of bones breaking. There
are different types of bone fractures with the process of bone healing, depending on the type of
fracture. Bones may take several weeks to heal completely. Bones can only heal normally if both
ends of the bone are attached to each other (Sheen, & Garla, 2019). Operations to bring the bones
together may be required. The process of bone healing takes three distinct stages. The stages are
inflammation, repair, and remodelling (Colbert, Ankney, & Lee, 2013). Inflammation starts
immediately. A bone is fractured. Inflammation lasts for several days. After a bone is fractured,
bleeding occurs in the area where the fracture has occurred. After the inflammation, the stability,
as well as the framework for producing the new bone, is laid down (Sheen, & Garla, 2019). The
next stage is bone production, which involves the inflammation being replaced with fibrous
tissue and cartilage. The process progresses, resulting in the soft callus being replaced with hard

bone. The final process is bone remodeling. The process of remodeling results in the bone
returning to its original shape. Remodeling also helps in the blood circulation improves.
Moderate exercises can help the process of remodeling.
References

Colbert, B. J., Ankney, J., & Lee. K. T. (2013). Anatomy, physiology, & disease: An interactive
journey for health professionals (2nd ed.). Boston: MA. Pearson Education.
Sheen, J. R., & Garla, V. V. (2019). Fracture Healing Overview. In StatPearls [Internet].
StatPearls Publishing.