The Musculoskeletal System

• The musculoskeletal system consists of the skeleton and muscular systems of the body.
• It is controlled by the nervous system.
• The human skeleton is located internally and is called an endoskeleton.
• Some animals like crabs and lobsters have external skeletons called exoskeletons.

The Advantage of an Endoskeleton:

Growth: Unlike crabs, which must shed and reform their exoskeletons, making them vulnerable to predators, human skeletons grow continuously, providing ongoing protection and support.

Functions of the Skeleton

1. Support: the skeleton supports the body and keeps it upright.
2. Shape: the skeleton gives shape to the body.
3. Protection: the skull protects the brain, the ribs protect the lungs, the vertebrae protect the spinal cord.

4. Movement: the bones of the skeleton provide rigid levers against which the muscles can pull.
5. Manufacture of blood cells: the bone marrow of long bones in the skeleton make red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.