SKELETAL SYSTEM
The Skeletal System is composed of cartilage and the 206 bones that make up the human body. Each bone is made up of cells, protein fibers and minerals. The skeletal system supports the human body by acting as a scaffold to hold it up and as protection for the soft tissues and organs within it. The muscles that attach to the various points of the skeletal system allows for the movement of the body.
The skeletal system can be arranged into two major divisions, the axial and appendicular skeleton.
Different types of bones make up the skeletal system and the function they serve is determined by where they are located.
Cartilage
Cartilage can be found lining joint surfaces at the ends of bones and its functions include:
Some flexibility of movement and accommodation
Like costal cartilages that are able to extend ribs during respiratory movements
Flexibility and accommodation
Tracheal rings in the respiratory tract are entirely formed by cartilage, this allows flexibility to accommodate changes in pressure and volume that are brought about during respiration
The cartilaginous tracheal rings also helps hold its structure without collapsing
Load bearing properties
Its extracellular matrix forms a solid structure that is able to withstand pressure, and friction