Different types of bone, their development and different bone problems that can occur.

Flat bone

Flat bones are thin pieces of bone, which are tough. On the other hand, it can break easily if pressure is applied. Flat bone is very good for protection and covers many internal organs. It also gives a very large surface are for muscle to be attached.

Irregular bones

Irregular bones usually have complex shapes. They also have the same build as short bone (this is a spongy outer layer). For example the vertebrae and small bones in the face.

b)  Long bone lengthen occur at the diaphyseal, epiphseal junction and the cartilage plate. After the bone has grown the epiphyseal cartilage plate is replaced by spongy tissue. This is the difference between fresh new bones (child-like bones)   and fully grown bone (that of an adult).

c) There are some factors that influence the development of bone. When children are young they are encouraged to take allot of vitamin D and calcium also to some weight bearing exercise, this will help to promote strong bone. Gender also affects the development of bone, this mainly regarding the structure of bone. For example, men have superior bone mass to women which bone mass is on average lighter. As women grow older and/or go through there menstrual cycle there is a reduction of the hormone oestrogen, this hormone helps to protect bone and promotes good growth of the bones.

Task 2 (M1)

1. Weight bearing exercise such as dancing, running and walking help strengthen bone by developing bone mass is increased because of the stimulation of mineral content within the bone.

2. Osteoporosis is a disease that affects the musclo-skeletal system because it affects the bone by lowering bone density. The disease is more likely to take place in women as the hormone oestrogen that helps to protect and helps formation of the bone is reduce when women go through their menstrual cycles and is stopped when women are at the stage of menopause.

Another disease that affects the musclo-skeletal system is rickets. In this case the bones will become deformed and will be very brittle. This disease is more likely   to take place in children who are low in vitamin D as this vitamin helps in the production of calcium which is essential for proper bone development.

3. It is very important for the musclo-skeletal that people maintain a good diet, by taking in food which is equip with vitamins and minerals that are needed for the bones. An example of this would be vitamin D that was discussed above ( in b) without this vitamin calcium cannot be absorbed. Calcium is a mineral that can be extracted from all dairy products, this mineral is key in developing strong bones and teeth.