Importance of the Skeleton in Biology

Serena Cuoghi
Title of Professor of Biology

The skeleton in vertebrate animals is a complex system designed to provide structure and support to the entire body, allowing to maintain an anatomical posture, according to the evolution of each species, and the realization of movements coordinated. The second primary function is to protect the most vital organs, a condition that can be seen as a common characteristic among all species observing how the heart, lungs, spinal cord and brain are well protected between the bones of the animal.

Within each of the bones of the skeleton is a very particular specialized tissue, called bone marrow, which is responsible for the production of blood cells, so this firm structure, mostly composed of calcified cells, also fulfills essential functions vital.

Another important function is to help regulate the balance of calcium in the body. Calcium is an essential mineral for the development of various metabolic functions and the skeleton acts as a store of calcium, releasing it when it is necessary to increase its metabolic availability and reabsorbing it when, on the contrary, bone cells do so. require.

Firm inside and out: exoskeleton

On the other hand, the set of bones, cartilage and tendons of vertebrates is not the only system that fulfills most of the functions characteristics of a skeleton, finding a type of external structure in arthropods, under the name of exoskeleton, which allows this group of invertebrate animals have: 1) protection against external damage, such as injuries generated by interaction with the environment or attacks by predators; 2) support and structure of the body, allowing it to maintain its shape and perform movements; 3) a mechanism for thermal regulation since, in some cases, the exoskeleton can help to regulate body temperature, keeping it cool or warm depending on the needs of the body organism; 4) permeability for the entry and exit of gases and liquids through the porosity that it has in certain areas, which allows maintaining the homeostasis of the body; and 5) changes in shape and size, in turn intervening in the metamorphosis processes experienced by some arthropods and through the complete shedding of the exoskeleton, which is replaced by a larger one that begins to harden when exposed after the change.

moving humans

In a more human and anatomically functional sense, the skeleton is important for the development of our physical activities and sports. Muscles, tendons, and ligaments connect to bones to form a complete system of movement, allowing us even to reach the high levels of physical demand of the most extreme sports.

when the bones speak

Despite the fact that the skeleton is a system designed to support the entire weight of our body and most of its cells have great hardness and resistance, it is also vulnerable to suffer a large number of diseases and conditions, which can not only affect their functionality, but even endanger their own life.

Among the most common ailments that can affect the various parts of the skeleton are: 1) Osteoporosis, disease in the that the bones become weaker and more fragile, increasing the risk of fractures and decreasing the regenerative capacity of the bones bones; 2) Arthritis, which consists of an inflammatory process that affects the joints, causing pain, swelling and stiffness, even causing deformations; 3) Scoliosis, Lordosis and Siphosis as major representatives of the possible deviations of the spine anatomy; and 4) infections can also reach the bones, in which case they are called Osteomyelitis.

On the other hand, sports injuries also represent a high risk factor that can affect the skeleton, through fractures, sprains and muscle tears. Contact sports and extreme sports increase the risk of injury, making it essential to properly treat injuries to prevent complications and facilitate recovery.

There are also multiple alterations in the formation of the skeleton with genetic or metabolic origin, such as osteogenesis imperfecta, spina bifida, osteochondrodysplasias and Marfan Syndrome, among many others, hence the need to maintain adequate controls during pregnancy, through echosonography.

References

Salvat Library (1973). The evolution of the spices. Barcelona, ​​Spain. Salvat Editors.

Hickman, C. et al. (1998) Integral Principles of Zoology. 11th Ed. Madrid, Spain. McGraw-Hill Interamericana.

Mazza, B. (2019). Degenerative joint disease in the appendicular skeleton of hunter-gatherers from the southern La Plata basin. Atacameño Studies, (63), 171-194.

Torres, L. J. S., Quinones, B. EITHER. B., Cervantes, A. C., Morales, E. V., & Hernandez, M. S. (2013). Pseudoneoplastic lesions in the immature skeleton. Review article. Mexican Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics, 15(2), 68-78.