Beginning with an exploration of the various bones in our bodies, this volume of the Encyclopedia of the Human Body discusses the parts of the skeletal system and how they work together to provide our bodies with shape, support, and movement, protection of tissues and organs, and production of blood cells. Both the axial bones of the skeleton and the appendicular bones of the limbs are explored. Joints, ligaments, tendons and cartilage are discussed in relation to the bones of the skeletal system. The history of the research on the skeletal system is presented and the future of research in this field is considered. Current controversies and dilemmas of scientists performing this research are explored. Skeletal system disorders, symptoms and treatments are explored, including sprains, fractures, arthritis, lyme disease, and carpal tunnel syndrome. This reference concludes with information about maintaining a healthy skeletal system, a comprehensive glossary, and resources for further information including web sites and contact information for organizations and national health institutions.

The Encyclopedia of the Human Body provides a complete, comprehensive reference source for students interested in the human body. Each book in this ten-volume set introduces and describes a specific body system, including the parts and function of each system, the history of discovery, related diseases and treatments, as well as possible future advances in research. Detailed illustrations and diagrams, including an eight-page color insert, provide a visual reference for written material.

This book is part of a book series called Human Body Systems .

This book is aimed at children in secondary school.

There are 264 pages in this book. This book was published 2004 by ABC-CLIO .

EVELYN KELLY is an independent scholar who has written 10 books and over 400 journal articles. She is a member of the National Association of Science Writers, is past president of American Medical Writer's Association, Florida chapter, and was recently invited to join the American Society of Journalists and Authors.

This book has the following chapters: Dedication Acknowledgments Introduction Functions of the Skeletal System Bones of the Skeletal System: The Axial System Bones of the Limbs: The Appendicular System The Moveable Machine: Joints, Ligaments, Tendons, Cartilage Living Bone: Bone Growth and Renewal Probing the Unseen: Embryology of the Skeletal System Bones in the Ancient World Bones: From the Rise of Christianity through the Dark Ages The Renaissance and the Skeletal System The 17th and 18th Centuries: The Beginning of Science and the Rise of Orthopedics 19th-century Medicine: The Rise of Orthopedics as a Specialty The Skeletal System in the 20th Century Bones: 21st Century and Beyond The Injury-Plagued Skeleton Diseases and Disorders of the Joints Focus on Feet, Hands, and Backs When the Skeletal System Fails: Bone Diseases and Disorders Genetic Basis for Bone Disorders Glossary of Terms Medical Organizations and Web Sites Fact Sheet References Captions