Musculoskeletal system: structure, function and importance
The musculoskeletal system consists of the skeleton and muscles and provides support, movement and protection: the skull protects the brain, the spinal canal the spinal cord, and the rib cage the heart and lungs. The adult skeleton has 206 bones; it is divided into the skeletons of the head, spine, trunk (chest), arms and legs and their girdles. The vertebral column has 33–34 vertebrae: 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 fused sacral and 4–5 coccygeal; its curves soften shocks when walking. The rib cage is formed by 12 thoracic vertebrae, 12 pairs of ribs and the sternum. Bones join in a movable way (a joint: the head and socket are covered with cartilage and joint fluid reduces friction), a semi-movable way (vertebrae) or an immovable way (skull bones with sutures).
On a skeleton model or picture count the spine divisions and write the number of vertebrae. Turn your head to feel which part moves. Safety: do not test your neck or back with pressure or heavy loads.