Musculoskeletal System

The musculoskeletal system is composed of human bones and skeletal muscle.  The skeletal system is made up of all the bones in the human body and provides support and protection for the muscles and internal organs.  The skeletal system also assists with the formation of blood cells, movement, and mineral storage.  Within the skeletal system, there are long bones, short bones, flat bones, and irregular bones.  The human body contains 206 bones and over 600 muscles.  The main function of the muscular system is movement.  Movement occurs when muscle fibers relax and contract, and virtually all movement within the human body is caused by muscle contraction.  The muscular system also assists with heat production; muscle contraction is responsible for almost 85% of the heat produced in the human body.  Muscle movement is controlled by nerve connections all throughout the body.  Within the musculoskeletal system, tendons attach muscle to bone, and ligaments attach bone to bone.  The musculoskeletal system also contains cartilage, which gives bones support inside joints and keeps the bones from rubbing against one another.  Regular exercise is especially important in keeping the musculoskeletal system healthy.