The Skeletal System
The skeletal system is an active tissue comprised of diverse cells that vary in shape, size, and location (both internal and external). One of its key characteristics is its lightweight yet significant strength and durability. Bones are integral components of the human body, serving vital functions such as supporting and protecting various bodily systems. Furthermore, they are responsible for producing red and white blood cells, as well as storing essential minerals. At birth, the human body contains over 270 bones, which decrease to 206 separate bones in adulthood. The largest bone is the femur, while the smallest is the stapes bone found in the ear.
Types of Bones
There are five primary types of bones found in the human body:
- Long Bones: These predominantly consist of compact bone and have relatively small amounts of marrow even though they are located within the marrow cavity. This category includes most of the limb bones and the digits of the hands and feet.
- Short Bones: Typically cube-shaped, these bones feature a single thin layer of compact bone encasing spongy bone. This type includes the carpal and tarsal bones.
- Flat Bones: These bones are characterized by curved plates made up of two parallel layers of compact bone surrounding spongy bone. Flat bones constitute most of the skull’s structure.
- Sesamoid Bones: These are embedded within tendons and serve to protect the tendons from stress and wear near joints.
- Irrregular Bones: Comprised of thin layers of compact bone surrounding spongy bone, irregular bones are named for their unique shapes and lack of bone cavities. They form the majority of the spinal column, pelvis, and certain skull bones.
Causes of Bone Pain
Many individuals experience bone pain daily, with the severity varying from case to case depending on the individual’s health. Numerous conditions can lead to bone pain, including:
- Fractures: Bone fractures often occur due to traumatic events or impacts with hard objects. They may also arise when bones are compromised by conditions such as osteoporosis or cancer.
- Bone Tumors: Various types of tumors can affect bones, which may be either benign or malignant due to disruptions in the fibrous tissue of the bones.
- Cancer: Although it is rare, bone cancer is a potential cause of bone pain. This type often manifests in individuals who have been diagnosed with other cancers, such as lung or prostate cancer, or conditions like thyroid and kidney cancer.
Additional factors contributing to bone pain include inflammation and rheumatologic conditions. The underlying cause of bone pain is typically identified through a medical examination using imaging techniques such as X-rays, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), alongside blood tests that check for autoimmune markers and specific cancer indicators.
References
- ↑ Warren Andrew, “Human Skeletal System”, www.britannica.com, Retrieved 31-7-2018. Edited.
- ↑ “Types of Bones”, www.teachpe.com, Retrieved 31-7-2018. Edited.
- ↑ Joseph Pritchard, Ana Gotter (27-10-2016), “Bone Pain”, www.healthline.com, Retrieved 31-7-2018. Edited.
- ↑ Mayo Clinic Staff (11-1-2018), “Joint Pain”, www.mayoclinic.org, Retrieved 31-7-2018. Edited.