Unit 8: Physiology of Human Body Systems
Musculoskeletal disorders
Aim A: Understand the impact of disorders of the musculoskeletal system and their associated corrective
treatments
, Introduction:
As a trainee Health Care Assistant working within the Occupational Health Department (OHD) of a large
sports and fitness company, I have been asked to carry out research into musculoskeletal disorders due to the
high number of working days currently being lost through employee absence. Musculoskeletal disorders can
significantly affect an individual’s ability to carry out their role effectively, leading to reduced productivity and
prolonged periods away from work. In response to this concern, the Occupational Health Department aims to
work closely with other healthcare professionals to develop support programmes that provide employees with
clear education and guidance on the structure and function of the musculoskeletal system, the range of
treatments available, and the effective clinical management of common musculoskeletal conditions. The
purpose of this research is to produce informative material that can be used to educate employees, support their
recovery, and promote safe and timely return to work, ultimately helping to reduce absence levels across the
company.
P1 Structure of the musculoskeletal system
Axial skeleton
The axial skeleton consists of 80 bones that form the central framework of the
body. It includes the bones of the skull, such as the cranial and facial bones, along
with the auditory ossicles in the ears. The axial skeleton also includes the bones of
the neck and back, specifically the vertebral column, which is made up of the
vertebrae, sacrum and coccyx, as well as the ribcage, consisting of the ribs and
sternum. The main role of the axial skeleton is to protect vital organs, including the
brain, spinal cord, heart and lungs. In addition, it provides structural support,
maintains posture, and enables controlled movement when working in
conjunction with the muscular system.[1]
Cranium, Mandible and Maxilla:
Cranium
● Structure of the cranium:
The cranium, also known as the skull, is made up of 22 bones in most adults. These bones are joined
together by immovable joints called cranial sutures, which allow for growth during early development
before gradually fusing to form a strong, rigid structure. The skull
includes both cranial bones, which surround the brain, and facial
bones, which form the shape of the face. It also contains the orbits
that house the eyes and air-filled spaces known as sinuses, which
reduce the overall weight of the skull.[2]
● Function of the cranium:
The primary function of the skull is to protect vital structures,
including the cerebrum, cerebellum and brainstem, as well as the
Musculoskeletal disorders
Aim A: Understand the impact of disorders of the musculoskeletal system and their associated corrective
treatments
, Introduction:
As a trainee Health Care Assistant working within the Occupational Health Department (OHD) of a large
sports and fitness company, I have been asked to carry out research into musculoskeletal disorders due to the
high number of working days currently being lost through employee absence. Musculoskeletal disorders can
significantly affect an individual’s ability to carry out their role effectively, leading to reduced productivity and
prolonged periods away from work. In response to this concern, the Occupational Health Department aims to
work closely with other healthcare professionals to develop support programmes that provide employees with
clear education and guidance on the structure and function of the musculoskeletal system, the range of
treatments available, and the effective clinical management of common musculoskeletal conditions. The
purpose of this research is to produce informative material that can be used to educate employees, support their
recovery, and promote safe and timely return to work, ultimately helping to reduce absence levels across the
company.
P1 Structure of the musculoskeletal system
Axial skeleton
The axial skeleton consists of 80 bones that form the central framework of the
body. It includes the bones of the skull, such as the cranial and facial bones, along
with the auditory ossicles in the ears. The axial skeleton also includes the bones of
the neck and back, specifically the vertebral column, which is made up of the
vertebrae, sacrum and coccyx, as well as the ribcage, consisting of the ribs and
sternum. The main role of the axial skeleton is to protect vital organs, including the
brain, spinal cord, heart and lungs. In addition, it provides structural support,
maintains posture, and enables controlled movement when working in
conjunction with the muscular system.[1]
Cranium, Mandible and Maxilla:
Cranium
● Structure of the cranium:
The cranium, also known as the skull, is made up of 22 bones in most adults. These bones are joined
together by immovable joints called cranial sutures, which allow for growth during early development
before gradually fusing to form a strong, rigid structure. The skull
includes both cranial bones, which surround the brain, and facial
bones, which form the shape of the face. It also contains the orbits
that house the eyes and air-filled spaces known as sinuses, which
reduce the overall weight of the skull.[2]
● Function of the cranium:
The primary function of the skull is to protect vital structures,
including the cerebrum, cerebellum and brainstem, as well as the
