Human Body and The Skeletal System

Skeletal System

1) As we age, our bones start to deteriorate because they lose their ability to regenerate as quickly as they had in the past. This leaves our bones less dense, and more brittle than healthy bones. What often results from this is fractured hips, and wrists from very light contact. The majority of the individuals that suffer from osteoporosis are women over the age of fifty. There is no known cure for osteoporosis, but there are prevention techniques. Our bones require calcium and vitamin D to help fill gaps in the porous bones of those suffering from osteoporosis. So in order to prevent the natural onset of osteoporosis doctors often recommend adding a medication loaded with these vitamins or a diet high in these vitamins. The two types of medications doctors often prescribe are medications that slow bone loss and strengthens remaining bones, and medication that generates new bone.

Several medications on the market that help impede bone loss like Fosamax, Actonel, and Boniva. These inhibit osteoclast-mediated bone re-absorption. This allows bones to strengthen and prevents the loss of potential bone strength. The other type of medication is comprised of mainly Forteo and few other drugs. These drugs contain synthetic forms of naturally occurring hormones that help regulate calcium metabolism.

2) Our bones contain two types of bone marrow that can be converted into each other. Humans begin their lives with all red bone marrow, then as they age, the marrow begins to transform into yellow bone marrow. Both types contain numerous capillaries and blood vessels, which allow for the rapid exchange of oxygen.

The yellow bone marrow acquires its name from the yellowish tint from the fats it contains. Since fat yields t...

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...and leadership. However, the pituitary needs help in directing the other glands so the hypothalamus receives electrochemical signals and then passes them on to the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland then produces hormones to direct the remaining gland to react. However, not all organisms have this type of endocrine system.

Endocrine systems do not exist in invertebrates; instead, they have a neurosecretory system that serves the same function as a human. Take for example sponges, they have no endocrine glands, but they do have excretory glands that release hormones. These glands release waste material and biotoxins through the pores of the sponge. The chemicals that are expelled from the sponge help to prevent infections from microbes and help to deter predators. Lacking the sophistication of the human endocrine system, sponges can only produce a few hormones.