What is the musculoskeletal system?
The musculoskeletal system is a set of bone, joint and muscle structures that form, defend and support movement to the body. It is the most voluminous system of the human body and represents about 80% of the total weight. The musculoskeletal system consists of bones of the skeleton, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage and other connective tissue that binds tissues and organs together and helps support the body in movement.
Bones
Bones are a form of extremely specialized connective tissue, consisting of a mix of a dense organic matrix and inorganic mineral component. They are characterized by their hardness and mechanical resistance. Depending on their shape formations, bones can be divided into long bones, flat bones, short bones and irregular bones.
Joints
Joints are a set of elements (fibrous tissue and / or cartilage, ligaments, capsules, membranes) that regulate the connection between two or more bone surfaces. The bone heads that constitute them can be synovial (such as the knee joints, elbow joints, wrist joints, hip joints, ankle joints, and shoulder joints); semi-mobile ( as in the case of the spine) or fixed (as in the case of the joints of the bones in the skull or pelvis). Depending on which area of the body they serve, more or less these extensive joint movements can help provide stable anchorage.
Muscles
Muscles are tissues composed of special fibers (muscle fibers) equipped with contractile capacity. Inside the human body, there are two major types of muscle: the striated muscles, also known as "red" or voluntary, controlled by the will of the subject, and the smooth muscle, also known as "white" or involuntary, whose contractile activity is autonomous and independent. A final type of muscle is represented by the heart muscle (myocardium), with unique properties. While presenting histologic features similar to those of the voluntary muscles, it in fact acts as an involuntary muscle, regardless of the subject.
What function does the musculoskeletal system serve?
The main functions of the musculoskeletal system include supporting the body by allowing movement as well as protecting vital organs.
Due to the fact that most bodily systems are connected, such as the vascular, nervous and integumentary systems, diseases among these systems can also affect the musculoskeletal system and complicate the diagnosis. Diseases of the musculoskeletal system mostly include functional disorders or motion discrepancies.
Musculoskeletal disorders: injuries or pain in the body’s joints, ligaments, muscles and structures that support the limbs, neck and back. They can cause symptoms such as pain and discomfort, as well as reduce the ability to perform normal activities. Few examples include Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Bursitis, Tenosynovitis, and Tendinitis.
Musculoskeletal injuries: injuries involving the muscles, blood vessels, nerves, bones, tendons, and other soft tissues. The most common of these injuries is known as the Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). Few examples include Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Tennis elbow, or non specific upper limb pain.
Depending on the injury, the severity of an individual’s condition, their health as well as their own preferences, the most appropriate form of treatment can be determined and further complications can be prevented.
