UNIT 8A PHYSIOLOGY OF HUMAN BODY SYSTEMS: MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS
Learning aim, A: understand the impact of
disorders of the musculoskeletal system and
their associated corrective treatments
Page 1 of 22
,UNIT 8A PHYSIOLOGY OF HUMAN BODY SYSTEMS: MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS
What are the main functions of the musculoskeletal system?
The functions of the skeleton include, support, protection of vital organs, attachment for skeletal
muscle, mineral storage, producing blood cells and maintaining mineral homeostasis. The muscular
system includes and is involved with the role of the ligaments, skeletal muscle, smooth muscle,
process of muscle contractions and fast and slow twitch fibers.
The two systems work together forming the musculoskeletal system, the musculoskeletal system is an
organ system made up of the muscular and skeletal systems; through contraction, the muscular
system performs important functions such as movement, supporting of the body, changing of body
posture, stability of joints, production of body heat (to maintain normal body temperature), and
provision of form to the body. The musculoskeletal system is made up of hard and soft tissues. The
hard tissue includes bones and cartilages (articular cartilages), while the soft tissues are muscles,
tendons, synovial membranes, joints capsule and ligaments.
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, UNIT 8A PHYSIOLOGY OF HUMAN BODY SYSTEMS: MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS
The skeletal system:
The skeletal system involves all the bones the body including cartilage, ligaments, and joints which gives crucial
functions for the human body and make up around 20% of the body’s mass. The skeletal system has 5 major
function which are: support, protection, movements, source of blood cell production, storage of minerals.
Protection, movements, and support
When a person moves, they can feel how the bones support the individual, promote movement, and protect the human body’s
vital organs. The cartilages and bones are the scaffold to sustain the whole body’s weight, such as the mandible (jawbone)
supports the teeth, the leg bones, pelvic girdle, and the column of the vertebrae support the weight of the erect body, and
separate organs and tissues are supported by the other bones. If the skeleton system were not present in an organism, there
would be a mass of muscles and skin on the floor. Bones have the facility for movement by supporting the muscles as points of
Page 3 of 22
Learning aim, A: understand the impact of
disorders of the musculoskeletal system and
their associated corrective treatments
Page 1 of 22
,UNIT 8A PHYSIOLOGY OF HUMAN BODY SYSTEMS: MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS
What are the main functions of the musculoskeletal system?
The functions of the skeleton include, support, protection of vital organs, attachment for skeletal
muscle, mineral storage, producing blood cells and maintaining mineral homeostasis. The muscular
system includes and is involved with the role of the ligaments, skeletal muscle, smooth muscle,
process of muscle contractions and fast and slow twitch fibers.
The two systems work together forming the musculoskeletal system, the musculoskeletal system is an
organ system made up of the muscular and skeletal systems; through contraction, the muscular
system performs important functions such as movement, supporting of the body, changing of body
posture, stability of joints, production of body heat (to maintain normal body temperature), and
provision of form to the body. The musculoskeletal system is made up of hard and soft tissues. The
hard tissue includes bones and cartilages (articular cartilages), while the soft tissues are muscles,
tendons, synovial membranes, joints capsule and ligaments.
Page 2 of 22
, UNIT 8A PHYSIOLOGY OF HUMAN BODY SYSTEMS: MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS
The skeletal system:
The skeletal system involves all the bones the body including cartilage, ligaments, and joints which gives crucial
functions for the human body and make up around 20% of the body’s mass. The skeletal system has 5 major
function which are: support, protection, movements, source of blood cell production, storage of minerals.
Protection, movements, and support
When a person moves, they can feel how the bones support the individual, promote movement, and protect the human body’s
vital organs. The cartilages and bones are the scaffold to sustain the whole body’s weight, such as the mandible (jawbone)
supports the teeth, the leg bones, pelvic girdle, and the column of the vertebrae support the weight of the erect body, and
separate organs and tissues are supported by the other bones. If the skeleton system were not present in an organism, there
would be a mass of muscles and skin on the floor. Bones have the facility for movement by supporting the muscles as points of
Page 3 of 22
