We explain what the musculoskeletal system is and what it is for. Also, how to care for the musculoskeletal system, and its most common diseases.
What is the musculoskeletal system?
It is called the musculoskeletal system or musculoskeletal system to the complex network of tissue of different nature that allows the human body to stand and perform various movements from simply walking to the most precise and delicate hand gestures.
The musculoskeletal system consists of the union of several different sets, which are the system osteoarticular (composed of bones, joints and ligaments) and the system muscular (muscles and tendons). Together they provide support to the body, keep it in its shape and allow it to make coordinated movements, thanks to the coordination exerted by the nervous system (composed of the nerves, spine and brain).
Of these two main systems, the bone and the muscle, the first is considered passive and the second active, since the latter is what sets movement in motion, through compression and stretching of muscle fibers once the nervous stimulus from the brain reaches them.
An important point in this device is the joints which are the point of contact of two bones in the body, which can allow a certain type of movement and according to this they are classified as: synarthrosis (without movement), symphysis (with a monoaxial movement, that is, in the same axis ) or diatrosis (with complex movements). The bones occupy a fixed place in the joints, thanks to the ligaments that keep them in place.
Similarly, tendons are the tissue that attaches muscles to bones made of an extremely resistant material, which allows the elastic movement of muscle fibers without this meaning detaching them from their obligatory place in the skeleton.
See also: Immune system
What is the musculoskeletal system used for?
The musculoskeletal system not only allows the enormous and diverse variety of movements that our human body is capable of, but at the same time keeps the body upright in its exact position, which is extremely important for the health of internal organs. Without the musculoskeletal system we would be condemned to inactivity, like plants, since we would not be able to physically move at will.
How to take care of the musculoskeletal system?
Caring for the musculoskeletal system includes the following recommendations:
- Warm up before undergoing physical activity or exercise.
- Maintain a diet rich in potassium, calcium and iron (although without excesses that are harmful to kidney function).
- Avoid situations of extreme wear and tear on the joints (especially in occupations such as writing, pianist, weaving, and other manual occupations) or take precautions to minimize damage.
- Avoid being overweight.
- Perform physical activities on a regular basis (active life).
- Use appropriate postures when carrying out long-term activities (including sleeping), using ergonomic materials and becoming aware of your posture.
Musculoskeletal diseases
There are ailments specific to the musculoskeletal system, some due to more or less natural causes and wear and tear, and others caused by agents external to the body. Among them the following stand out:
- Osteoarthritis A chronic and degenerative disease, sometimes of autoimmune origin, in which the joints between the bones lose the elastic tissue that allows their mobility: cartilage, and therefore remain increasingly rigid.
- Arthritis Arthritis consists of an inflammation of the joint tissue, whether permanent or temporary, generating swelling, pain, stiffness and difficulty moving the limbs, although over time they can even twist the joints and deform the extremities.
- Osteoporosis It is a chronic loss of calcium in the bones, which demineralizes them and makes them more fragile over time. This causes thinning and weakness of the bones, which become porous (hence the name) and lose mass.
- Parkinson's disease Parkinson's disease is actually a condition of the Central Nervous System (Brain), which affects the way nerve impulses are transmitted throughout the body. However, common symptoms manifest themselves in the musculoskeletal system, through rigidity, tremors or involuntary movements.
- St. Vitus disease Also called Huntington's disease or Huntington's chorea, it is a neurological degenerative disease, which is usually hereditary, although extremely rare. It was discovered in 1872 and its symptoms include involuntary movements, twitching and grimacing, and is due to a mutation in a gene on chromosome 4.
