Skeletal System

The skeletal system is the body’s central framework. It consists of bones and connective tissue, including cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. It’s also called the musculoskeletal system.

Parts of the Skeletal System

The skeletal system is a network of many different parts that work together to help you move. The main part of the skeletal system consists of the bones, hard structures that create the body’s framework — the skeleton. There are 206 bones in an adult human skeleton. Each bone has three main layers:

Periosteum: The periosteum is a tough membrane that covers and protects the outside of the bone.
Compact bone: Below the periosteum, compact bone is white, hard, and smooth. It provides structural support and protection.
Spongy bone: The core, inner layer of the bone is softer than compact bone. It has small holes called pores to store marrow.

The other components of the skeletal system include:

Cartilage: This smooth and flexible substance covers the tips of the bones where they meet. It enables bones to move without friction (rubbing against each other). When cartilage wears away, as in arthritis, it can be painful and cause movement problems.
Joints: A joint is where two or more bones in the body come together. There are three different joint types. The types of joints are:
Immovable joints: Immovable joints don’t let the bones move at all, like the joints between the skull bones.
Partly movable joints: These joints allow limited movement. The joints in the rib cage are partly movable joints.
Movable joints: Movable joints allow a wide range of motion. the elbow, shoulder, and knee are movable joints.
Ligaments: Bands of strong connective tissue called ligaments hold bones together.
Tendons: Tendons are bands of tissue that connect the ends of a muscle to the bone

Functions

The skeletal system has many functions. Besides giving us the human shape and features, it:

Allows movement: the skeleton supports the body weight to help you stand and move. Joints, connective tissue and muscles work together to make the body parts mobile.
Produces blood cells: Bones contain bone marrow. Red and white blood cells are produced in the bone marrow.
Protects and supports organs: the skull shields the brain, the ribs protect the heart and lungs, and the backbone protects the spine.
Stores minerals: Bones hold the body’s supply of minerals like calcium and vitamin D.

Diseases

Many conditions can affect the bones, joints, and tissues that make up the skeletal system. Some happen as a result of disease or injury. Others develop due to wear and tear as you get older. Conditions that may affect the skeletal system can include:

Arthritis: Age, injury, and medical conditions such as Lyme disease can lead to arthritis, a painful wearing down of joints.
Fracture: Disease, a tumor, or trauma can put stress on a bone, causing it to break.
Osteosarcoma: Cancer that forms in the bones can cause tumors that may weaken and break bones.
Osteoporosis: Bone loss caused by not getting enough calcium can lead to fragile and brittle bones, known as osteoporosis.
Sprains and tears: Age, disease and trauma can cause connective tissue to overstretch and tear.

Detoxing The Skeletal System

The bones are prone to become weaker due to high exposure to toxic chemicals or during menopause, lactation and pregnancy. Detoxing the bones and purifying improves bone strength throughout the body.

Consumption of alkalizing nutrients like calcium, zinc, magnesium and vitamin c helps reduce uptake and enhance excretion of toxic metals.
Consumption of super foods high in available sulfur, including garlic, onions, ginger, eggs, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, enhance production of glutathione, a key antioxidant to detox the bones.
Fermented foods and pro-biotics protects the body from toxic metal consumption.
Water, clean air and daily exercise can help enhance the bone strength and remove toxic metals from the bones