Biology of Bones: Human Skeletal Disorders
by Yuvi K - December 16, 2023
Biology of Bones – Human Skeletal Disorders
The human skeleton is an incredibly complex system made up of 206 bones, ligaments, and other connective tissues which form the basis of posture, movement, protection of vital organs, and healthy locomotion. Sadly, however, we often take the health of our skeletal system for granted until something goes wrong. There are many human skeletal disorders which can affect us, ranging from congenital conditions to those caused by age and injury. Let’s take a more in-depth look at human skeletal disorders and the biology of the bones to better understand these disorders.
What Affects Human Bone Health?
The health of the human bones is affected by several factors, including a person’s genetics, nutrition, physical activity, lifestyle, and environment. Genetics play an important role in determining a person’s bone health, as some diseases and disorders are hereditary. Meanwhile, lifestyle and environmental factors such as smoking, drinking, and vitamin D levels vary from person to person and greatly affect bone health. Poor nutrition, especially inadequate calcium intake, can also cause problems with bone mineralization.
Physical activity, or a lack thereof, can also affect the health of bones. People who lead stressed lifestyles, have prolonged sedentary periods, or don’t exercise enough are prone to developing weak bones as they age. Regular exercise is essential for bone health, particularly weight-bearing exercises.
Types of Disorders
There are several types of skeletal disorders, many of which are broken down into congenital (birth) defects, developmental problems, and bone diseases. Let’s look at each type individually.
Congenital Skeletal Disorders
Congenital skeletal disorders are spine and/or bone abnormalities which are present at birth. Examples of congenital skeletal disorders include scoliosis (स्कोलियोसिस- छोटे आकार के रोटेशन में आकार दिखाने वाला हाईपर कलेज और और विक्षोभ जिसमें स्पिन का ऊपरी हिस्सा छोटे पैर से ज्यादा होता है) and club foot (सिंहावलोकन- एक जगह पैर के तले में आकार दिखाने वाला प्रकार से हाईपर कलेज जिसमें एक पैर का ऊपरी हिस्सा छोटा होता है).
Developmental Disorders
Developmental disorders, sometimes called genetic disorders, are caused by changes in the genetic code which can lead to abnormal bone growth. Down syndrome (डाउन सिंड्रोम- व्यक्ति को गुणवत्ताओं की गलत युगलिती प्राप्त होने पर होने वाला गुणवत्ता से जुड़ा रोग) and Marfan syndrome (मारफ़ान सिंड्रोम- एक वैज्ञानिक रोग जो फैमिली में आता है और शारीरिक शरीर के गुणवत्ता में असमानता प्राप्त होती है ) are two examples of genetic disorders which can cause bone deformations.
Bone Diseases
Bone diseases are seen in children and adults, with common examples including osteoporosis (ओस्टीऑपोरोसिस- एक बुखारी में किसी व्यक्ति की अंगुली की मोटाई या कमजोरी में क्षति होना) and rickets (रिकेट्स- बालों में होने वाला एक रोग जिसमें कार्यक्रमिक रूप से काफी कम कालीन और विटामिन आई होती है). Osteoporosis and rickets are caused by poor nutrition or lifestyle choices, while other diseases are caused by genetic disorders, infections, or medical conditions.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing skeletal disorders requires an x-ray of the affected area, and often a CT (computed tomography) scan. Once the doctor has confirmed the diagnosis, it’s time to begin treatment. Depending on the condition, treatment usually involves muscle and bone strengthening exercises, lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery. While many disorders can be effectively managed with medication, lifestyle changes, or physical therapy, some skeletal abnormalities may be permanent and require lifelong care.
Conclusion
The human skeletal system is an incredibly complex network of bones, ligaments, and other connective tissues which form the basis of posture, movement, protection of vital organs, and healthy locomotion. Sadly, however, many people take the health of their skeletal system for granted until something goes wrong. With the right knowledge, understanding of the biology of the bones, and regular check-ups, we can recognize and diagnose skeletal disorders early and begin treatment promptly, thus ensuring a lifetime of healthy bones.
- Last Updated on January 7, 2021
