They are essential in maintaining homoeostasis of minerals in the blood with minerals stored in the bone are released in response to the body’s demands, with levels maintained and regulated by hormones, such as parathyroid hormone.īlood cells are formed from haemopoietic stem cells present in red bone marrow. Mineral homoeostasisĪs the main reservoirs for minerals in the body, bones contain approximately 99% of the body’s calcium, 85% of its phosphate and 50% of its magnesium (Bartl and Bartl, 2017). Protectionīones provide protective boundaries for soft organs: the cranium around the brain, the vertebral column surrounding the spinal cord, the ribcage containing the heart and lungs, and the pelvis protecting the urogenital organs. The bones act as levers, while the muscles generate the forces responsible for moving the bones. Appendicular skeleton – appendages, such as the upper and lower limbs, pelvic girdle and shoulder girdle.Īs well as contributing to the body’s overall shape, the skeletal system has several key functions, including:īones are a site of attachment for ligaments and tendons, providing a skeletal framework that can produce movement through the coordinated use of levers, muscles, tendons and ligaments.Axial skeleton – bones along the axis of the body, including the skull, vertebral column and ribcage.The skeletal system is composed of bones and cartilage connected by ligaments to form a framework for the rest of the body tissues. Scroll down to read the article or download a print-friendly PDF here (if the PDF fails to fully download please try again using a different browser).This article has been double-blind peer reviewed.Nursing Times 116: 2, 38-42.Īuthor: Jennie Walker is principal lecturer, Nottingham Trent University. Understanding the structure and purpose of the bone allows nurses to understand common pathophysiology and consider the most-appropriate steps to improve musculoskeletal health.Ĭitation: Walker J (2020) Skeletal system 1: the anatomy and physiology of bones.

This article, the first in a two-part series on the structure and function of the skeletal system, reviews the anatomy and physiology of bone.

The skeletal system is formed of bones and cartilage, which are connected by ligaments to form a framework for the remainder of the body tissues.

Flat bones function