CHAPTER 45 Understanding the Musculoskeletal System GRADE
A
LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Explain the anatomy and function of the musculoskeletal system.
• The skeletal and muscular systems can be considered as one system because together they
move the body.
o The skeleton is the framework of the body to which the voluntary muscles are attached.
- Includes the joints, or articulations, between bones.
- Made primarily of bone tissue, articular (joint) cartilage (cushions joint and reduces
friction), and fibrous connective tissue that forms the ligaments (that connect bone to
bone) and other structures within joints.
- protects organs and tissues from mechanical injury
o Primary function of the muscular system is to move or stabilize the skeleton
- tissues of the muscular system include skeletal muscle tissue and fibrous connective
tissue
- Contraction of a muscle stabilizes or changes the angle of a joint.
- Voluntary muscles collectively contribute significantly to heat production= maintains
normal body temperature.
- Aids in the return of blood from the legs through muscular compression on the leg
veins.
• Movement would not be possible without the proper functioning of the nervous, cardiovascular,
and respiratory systems.
o Voluntary muscles require nerve impulses to contract
- Nerve impulses originate in the motor areas of the frontal lobes of the cerebral cortex.
- The coordination of voluntary movement is a function of the cerebellum.
o a continuous supply of blood provided by the circulatory system
o oxygen provided by the respiratory system
2. Describe the effects of aging on the musculoskeletal system.
• Bone calcium loss
o Estrogen and testosterone decrease (needed for bone matrix)
o Weight bearing exercises help
• Articular cartilage wears down
o becomes rough, leading to pain and stiffness.
• Muscle strength declines
o protein synthesis decreases
o increase risk of falls and accidents
o regular exercise helps
, 3. List subjective data that are collected when caring for a patient with a disorder of the
musculoskeletal system.
Demographic
What is your age, gender, socioeconomic status? Increased age, being female, and lower
socioeconomic status can increase risk of
musculoskeletal injury/problems.
What is your occupation? Enables discharge planning if occupation may
be affected by condition.
Where do you live geographically? Regions where sunlight is limited increases the
risk of vitamin D deficiency, leading to
increased risk for skeletal injuries.
Prior Health History
Do you have allergies? Prevents exposure to medication or compounds
used in diagnostic tests, treatments, and
therapies.
What prior medical conditions, surgeries, or Identifies any pre-existing conditions that may
problems with anesthesia (e.g., malignant influence the musculoskeletal system.
hyperthermia) have you had?
What activities do you participate in, and how Provides baseline information regarding the
often? level of activity of the patient before the
problem.
What risk factors for musculoskeletal problems Smoking and a sedentary lifestyle are risk
are present (e.g., smoking, sedentary lifestyle, factors for musculoskeletal problems.
weight gains/losses)?
What is your nutritional intake? Nutritional intake of calcium and vitamin D
influences some musculoskeletal disorders.
What is your family’s medical history? Some musculoskeletal conditions or anesthesia
problems have genetic and familial
tendencies.
Injury or Present Concern
What is the history of the injury or current Provides information that helps in the diagnosis
concern? of the problem as well as possible
complications of the injury.
What is your pain level (use pain assessment Pain or related stiffness and tenderness may be
scale)? What medications, treatments, and acute or chronic and may limit the patient in
procedures are used to alleviate pain? everyday life.
A
LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Explain the anatomy and function of the musculoskeletal system.
• The skeletal and muscular systems can be considered as one system because together they
move the body.
o The skeleton is the framework of the body to which the voluntary muscles are attached.
- Includes the joints, or articulations, between bones.
- Made primarily of bone tissue, articular (joint) cartilage (cushions joint and reduces
friction), and fibrous connective tissue that forms the ligaments (that connect bone to
bone) and other structures within joints.
- protects organs and tissues from mechanical injury
o Primary function of the muscular system is to move or stabilize the skeleton
- tissues of the muscular system include skeletal muscle tissue and fibrous connective
tissue
- Contraction of a muscle stabilizes or changes the angle of a joint.
- Voluntary muscles collectively contribute significantly to heat production= maintains
normal body temperature.
- Aids in the return of blood from the legs through muscular compression on the leg
veins.
• Movement would not be possible without the proper functioning of the nervous, cardiovascular,
and respiratory systems.
o Voluntary muscles require nerve impulses to contract
- Nerve impulses originate in the motor areas of the frontal lobes of the cerebral cortex.
- The coordination of voluntary movement is a function of the cerebellum.
o a continuous supply of blood provided by the circulatory system
o oxygen provided by the respiratory system
2. Describe the effects of aging on the musculoskeletal system.
• Bone calcium loss
o Estrogen and testosterone decrease (needed for bone matrix)
o Weight bearing exercises help
• Articular cartilage wears down
o becomes rough, leading to pain and stiffness.
• Muscle strength declines
o protein synthesis decreases
o increase risk of falls and accidents
o regular exercise helps
, 3. List subjective data that are collected when caring for a patient with a disorder of the
musculoskeletal system.
Demographic
What is your age, gender, socioeconomic status? Increased age, being female, and lower
socioeconomic status can increase risk of
musculoskeletal injury/problems.
What is your occupation? Enables discharge planning if occupation may
be affected by condition.
Where do you live geographically? Regions where sunlight is limited increases the
risk of vitamin D deficiency, leading to
increased risk for skeletal injuries.
Prior Health History
Do you have allergies? Prevents exposure to medication or compounds
used in diagnostic tests, treatments, and
therapies.
What prior medical conditions, surgeries, or Identifies any pre-existing conditions that may
problems with anesthesia (e.g., malignant influence the musculoskeletal system.
hyperthermia) have you had?
What activities do you participate in, and how Provides baseline information regarding the
often? level of activity of the patient before the
problem.
What risk factors for musculoskeletal problems Smoking and a sedentary lifestyle are risk
are present (e.g., smoking, sedentary lifestyle, factors for musculoskeletal problems.
weight gains/losses)?
What is your nutritional intake? Nutritional intake of calcium and vitamin D
influences some musculoskeletal disorders.
What is your family’s medical history? Some musculoskeletal conditions or anesthesia
problems have genetic and familial
tendencies.
Injury or Present Concern
What is the history of the injury or current Provides information that helps in the diagnosis
concern? of the problem as well as possible
complications of the injury.
What is your pain level (use pain assessment Pain or related stiffness and tenderness may be
scale)? What medications, treatments, and acute or chronic and may limit the patient in
procedures are used to alleviate pain? everyday life.
