MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM
The musculoskeletal system (known also as the locomotor system) provides the body with structure, support, stability, and movement. It is composed of bones, muscles, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues.
Major functions of the system include movement production, posture maintenance, and blood cell production in bone marrow. This system also protects vital organs and stores essential minerals like calcium.
| Muscular System: | Includes skeletal muscles (e.g., biceps, quadriceps) and tendons that facilitate movement. Muscles are tissues that contract to produce movement. They attach to bones via tendons. |
| Skeletal System: | Comprises bones, joints, cartilage, ligaments, and bursae. Bones (e.g., spine, skull, ribs) form the framework of the skeleton, while muscles attach to bones via tendons to enable movement. Ligaments connect bones to each other, stabilizing joints, and cartilage provides cushioning in joints. |