LESSON 4
THE HUMAN SKELETAL SYSTEM
Section I. GENERAL
4-1. INTRODUCTION
The skeleton serves as a support or framework of the human body. It is a
combination of bones joined together.
4-2. FUNCTIONS OF THE HUMAN SKELETON
The human skeleton serves the following functions:
a. Bodily Support. The skeletal system provides a framework for the human
body.
b. Protection. The skeleton protects certain soft structures within the human
body. An example is the skull, which surrounds the brain.
c. Motion. Muscles are attached to and move the bones. Bones provide
leverage for motion.
d. Formation of Blood Cells (Hematopoiesis). Blood cells are manufactured
in the red bone marrow, mainly found in flat bones.
4-3. PRIMARY STUDY AREAS
In this text, we study the skeletal system from four different viewpoints:
a. Bone As Tissues. This aspect of the human skeletal system was discussed
b. Bone As An Individual Organ. Section II of this lesson discusses bone as
an individual organ.
c. Articulations (Joints)--Arthrology. Section III of this lesson introduces the
study of joints, or arthrology.
d. The Human Skeleton. Section IV of this lesson discusses the human
skeleton as a whole in terms of its major subdivisions.
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