The Structural System
Our structural system is made up of bones, cartilage, bone marrow, joints, tendons, ligaments,
muscles, and teeth. The adult human skeletal system has about 206 bones while babies have about 350 bones. These
350 bones fuse together as we grow creating fewer longer bones. Bones have a hard and thick outer layer and a soft
middle (marrow). There are different types of bones and cartilage depending upon their function and performance
throughout the body.
The major functions of the structural system is to provide the
framework for the rest of the body, to provide protection for our organs, and to offer flexibility of movement. Our
bones also create a home for bone marrow, and a storage area for minerals.
Parts of the Structural System
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Bone Marrow is the flexible tissue within the bones. Bone marrow can be either
red or yellow. Yellow marrow consists mainly of fat and is found in the hollow
interior of the middle portion of the long bones. Red marrow generates red blood
cells, platelets, and most of the white blood cells. The red marrow is found mainly in the flat bones
like the hips, breastbone, skull, ribs, vertebra and shoulder blades of an adult. Bone marrow also
plays a very important role in our immune system because it produces stem cells. Stem cells have the
ability to become many different cell types that are used to assist the body in regeneration and
repair.
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Joints are how our bones are linked together. Some joints have the ability to
flex and bend and this ability is what give us our range of motion. There are two main types of joints
- mobile or synovial and fixed or fibrous. Synovial joints are designed to allow a large range of
movement. This type of joint is lined with a slippery coating called synovium. Fibrous joints are
limited in their movement by fibrous tissue. There are also some joints that are formed between bone
and cartilage. These joints offer greater flexibility.
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Tendons are a tough band of fibrous connective tissue that connects muscles to
bones. Tendons are also able to handle varying degrees of tension.
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Ligaments are the toughest. Ligaments are the strong bands of connective tissue
that attach one bone to another. Ligaments are mostly made up of collagen and some elastin and stretch
very little. Fluid filled sacs (bursa) within joints is what provides the structural system with its
smooth gliding abilities.
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Voluntary muscles make up our structural system. Muscles together with the bones
and tendons are responsible for all forms of conscious movement.
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Teeth are also part of the structural system and most adults have 32 of them.
Each tooth in our mouth has its own nerve and circulatory system to carry away wastes through our
bloodstream.
Some Health Challenges of the Structural System
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Osteoporosis literally means "porous bone". It is a progressive disease where the
density and quality of the bone declines. This type of weakening of the bone makes individuals
extremely susceptible to bone fractures. Osteoporosis is usually diagnosed by measuring an individuals
bone density and is more common in women than in men.
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Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease and is in a group of diseases that
involves the deterioration of joints including cartilage and its adjacent bone. Signs may include joint
pain, tenderness, stiffness, creaking, and locking. This disease rarely develops in individuals under
40 and is very common in individuals over 60. Usually only one or two joints are affected.
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Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disorder and an inflammatory type of
arthritis. The body's immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium (lining inside the joint). It
typically affects the small joints in the hands and feet, but can occur in any synovial joint in the
body. Its onset has been associated with physical or emotional stress, poor nutrition, and bacterial
infections. Rheumatoid Arthritis can cause painful swelling that can result in bone erosion and joint
deformity. It causes daily pain, stiffness, and fatigue. Again, it is more comment in women than in men
and usually occurs in those under 40.
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Fibromyalgia is a common yet complex chronic pain disorder. Its characteristics
are widespread pain, multiple tender points, abnormal pain processing, sleep disturbances, fatigue and
sometimes associated psychological stress. Fibromyalgia is considered a syndrome rather than a disease
because it is a collection of signs, symptoms, and medical problems that tend to occur together but
they are not related to a specific identifiable cause. It can be a debilitating syndrome that can
interfere with one's daily activities.
The current approach to the above conditions is mostly symptom management. The symptoms are managed
with a combination of prescription medications, therapies (massage, behavioral) and exercise. These conditions can
also be helped by making some lifestyle changes.
Strengthening and Supporting the Structural System
- Dietary Changes - Consume fresh fruit and vegetables and more vegetable protein.
Decrease the amount of animal protein you eat. Examples are legumes, beans, apples, bananas, lemons, limes,
berries, asparagus, kale, broccoli, cabbage, yams, and sweet potatoes.
- Exercise 30 minutes a day at least 3 times per week and try to include weight bearing
and muscle strengthening exercises.
- Water - Keep your body hydrated, it functions so much better when it has roughly 8-10
glasses of filtered or spring water a day.
- Reduce Stress - Try to focus on gratitude and joy.
- Emotions - If you are hanging on to bitterness and anger, let it go and forgive
others. Releasing negative emotions is very good for your body.
Supplements to support the Structural System
Written by Mara Gerke,
CNHP, All Rights Reserved.
References: "Structural System" by Sylvia Rogers; "Know Your Body" by Emmet B.
Keeffe, M.D.; Prescription for Nutritional Healing by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
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