Supports the Body by... - protecting internal organs - allowing movement - storing mineral reserves - providing a site for blood cell formation
206 bones, each one is a complex living organ. - made up of many cells, protein fibers, and minerals - skeleton acts as a scaffold by providing support and protection - provides attachment points for muscles to allow movements at the joints - new blood cells produced by red bone marrow inside bones
Skeletal system has 2 distinctive parts
The Axial and the Appendicular Skeletons
Axial Skeleton is... - total of 80 bones - consisted of the vertebral column, rib cage, and skull - transmits weight from the upper extremities to the lower extremities - helps humans have the upright posture
Appendicular Skeleton is... - total of 126 bones - formed by pectoral girdles, upper limbs, pelvic girdle, and lower limbs - this allows movement for the body -protects the major organs
Locations
The skeletal system is located throughout the whole body. For example:
The skull consist of 22 bones
The mandible known as the jawbone
Vertebral column series of bones
The rib cage made up of 12 pairs of bones
Clavicle (collarbone)
Scapula (shoulder blade)
Humerus, Radius, Ulna bones in hands and wrist
Hip bones are three sets ilia, ischia, pubes
Femur the largest bone
Then you have the tibia and the fibula
Drug Affects on YOUR bones
Osteomyelitis
-Osteomyelitis or bone infection has been linked to intravenous drug abuse -Over time, osteomyelitis can cause disability by destroying bones from the inside out. -Osteomyelitis is associated with the use of dirty needles and contaminated drugs, such as heroin and methamphetamine.
Osteoporosis
-Osteoporosis is often caused by the malnutrition seen in long-term stimulant users. -People addicted to cocaine and methamphetamine commonly go for long periods without eating and consume low-quality foods when they do eat. Opiate addiction has been linked to osteopenia, or reduced bone density, which can precede full-blown osteoporosis.
TMJ and Dental Deterioration
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), dental damage and decay are associated with stimulant abuse. TMJ and tooth damage are often due to habitual teeth-grinding related to stimulation and stress. Smoking crack and methamphetamine are also known to affect the saliva glands, reducing protection from tooth decay.
Arthritis
Malnutrition among users is often responsible for the effects of drug abuse on joint health. The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis, is associated with nutrient deficiencies that reduce the body’s ability to repair itself. Levels of vitamin C, a primary nutrient involved in joint repair, are often low in people exposed to chronic stress, such as drug abuse.
Effects of Drug Abuse on the Spine
Spinal health is often reduced by long-term poor postural habits, such as slouching. The effects of drug abuse on posture are especially visible in users of depressants, such as opiates. In stimulant users, chronic muscle tension can make correct, relaxed posture impossible. Over time, these issues weaken the spine’s supporting muscles and increase the risk of spinal injury from routine lifting.
These are not the only skeletal problems caused by drug abuse. Any time malnutrition occurs, systemic health problems can result. Due to the high nutritional needs of the skeletal system, it is likely to suffer in the face of poor diet. Compounded by the other effects of drug abuse on the bones, the skeletal system of drug abusers can end up devastated.