The Skeletal System – GCSE Physical Education OCR Revision

Introduction to The Skeletal System

The skeletal system is primarily composed of bones and joints.
This system provides structural support, protection for vital organs and facilitates movement.
There are three categories of bones: Flat, Long and Short.
The adult human skeleton usually contains 206 bones.
Bones are connected by joints including hinge, pivot, ball and socket, and gliding joints.

Bone is a hard, dense material, primarily made of a framework of collagen and the mineral calcium phosphate.
Bones consist of different parts including periosteum, compact bone, spongy bone and bone marrow.
Periosteum is a dense membrane that covers the outer surface of all bones.
Compact bone, also known as cortical bone, provides strength and rigidity.
Spongy bone, also known as cancellous bone, has an open, honeycomb-like structure that is light but strong.
Bone marrow is found in the hollow interior of bones and generates new cells, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

The skeletal system collaborates with the muscular system to provide locomotion; this is known as the musculoskeletal system.
Joints serve as the pivot points for movement.
Some bones have unique shapes that allow for a wide range of motion, such as your vertebrae that enable you to bend and twist your spine.

Osteoporosis is a common skeletal system disorder where bones weaken and become more likely to break.
Regular exercise, particularly weight-bearing activities like walking or lifting weights, can help keep bones strong and healthy.
Nutrition also plays a vital role in maintaining bone health, particularly calcium and vitamin D, which aids in calcium absorption.

Understanding the skeletal system can help in training and performance improvement.
Knowledge of how bones and joints function can aid in preventing injuries.
Awareness of bone health can guide nutrition and exercise choices for optimum fitness.