Structure of the Musculoskeletal System

General Overview

The musculoskeletal system comprises the body’s bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments and connective tissues.
Its primary functions involve providing structure, facilitating movement, and protecting vital organs.

Bone is a durable connective tissue, mainly composed of calcium phosphate.
The human skeleton represents the body’s foundational structure, supporting organs and tissues.
Bones facilitate movement through joints and act as levers for muscles.
Red and yellow bone marrow, found within bones, are essential for the production of blood cells.
Bones function as significant mineral stores, particularly for calcium and phosphorus.

The muscular system comprises skeletal, smooth and cardiac muscles.
Skeletal muscles, also known as striated muscles, create movement by attaching to bones and contracting on command.
These muscles are voluntary muscles - you consciously control their movement.
Smooth muscles, found in the organs, are involuntary muscles that contract without conscious control.
The cardiac muscle, located in the heart, pumps blood throughout the body and similarly functions without conscious control.

Joints are where bones meet, permitting various degrees and types of movement.
Ligaments are strong, resilient connective tissues that link bones together at joints, aiding stability.
Tendons, similarly tough tissues, connect muscles to bones, enabling muscle contractions to move the skeleton.

Connective tissues, including cartilage and fibrous tissues, support and bind other body tissues and parts.
Specialised connective tissue known as cartilage provides a smooth surface for joint movement and is a crucial component of the nose, ears and many body tubes.
Fibrous tissues, such as tendons, ligaments, and the various fascias, function largely in a support capacity.