Structure of Bone and Cartilage

Human Skeletal System

The human skeletal system is a complex framework of bones, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments that work together to support the body, protect internal organs, and enable movement. It can be divided into two main parts: the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton. The axial skeleton consists of bones that lie along the central axis of the body, while the appendicular skeleton consists of the bones that connect limbs to the axial skeleton and enable movement....

Appendicular Skeleton

The appendicular skeleton facilitates movement and locomotion. It comprises the bones of the limbs and the girdles that attach them to the axial skeleton. It includes the pectoral (shoulder) girdle which anchors the upper limbs and the pelvic girdle which supports the lower limbs. The bones of the upper and lower limbs are also included in the appendicular skeleton enabling various movements....

Structure of Bone and Cartilage

Features Bone Cartilage Composition Organic matrix (collagen fibers) + inorganic matrix (minerals) collagen-rich matrix Hardness Hard and rigid Firm but flexible Flexibility Non-flexible Elastic Blood vessels Vascular (contains blood vessels) Avascular (lacks blood vessels) Nerves Nervous (contains nerves) Aneural (lacks nerves) Mineral deposition Abundant mineral deposition (calcium, magnesium) Rare mineral deposition Cellular components Osteoblasts, osteocytes, osteoclasts Chondroblasts, chondrocytes, chondroclasts...

Disorders of the Skeletal System

Several disorders are associated with the skeletal system that can impact its structure, function, and overall health....

FAQs on Skeletal System

Q: What is the composition of bones and cartilage in the skeletal system?...