English 
The human skeleton is a complex structure composed of a series of bones that make up the human skeleton. The human skeleton is divided into two major categories: upper and lower limb bones and trunk bones. Below is a detailed introduction to the structure, classification, function, and related diseases of the human skeleton.
- Structure
The human skeleton is composed of bones, cartilage, and connective tissue. Bones are the main component of the skeleton, providing support and posture to the body. Cartilage is an elastic tissue that connects bones and can cushion the impact and friction between them, protecting bones. Connective tissue connects bones with other tissues such as muscles, ensuring the overall stability and integrity of the human skeleton.
The shape and size of the human skeleton are diverse. Bones can be divided into four categories: long bones, short bones, flat bones, and irregular bones. Long bones consist of a long central axis and two expanded ends that extend to the joints, such as the tibia and humerus. Short bones are cubic or cylindrical, such as the wrist and ankle bones. Flat bones are flat, such as the pelvis and scapula. Irregular bones usually do not have a regular shape, such as the skull and spine.
- Classification
The human skeleton can be classified in different ways. Below are the classifications.
According to location
The human skeleton is divided into two categories: upper and lower limb bones and trunk bones. Upper and lower limb bones include the shoulder girdle bones, upper limb bones, pelvic bones, and lower limb bones. The shoulder girdle bones include the clavicle and scapula, the upper limb bones include the humerus, radius, ulna, metacarpal bones, and phalanges, the pelvic bones include the ilium, pubis, and ischium, and the lower limb bones include the femur, tibia, and fibula. Trunk bones include the skull, cervical vertebrae, thoracic vertebrae, lumbar vertebrae, pelvis, and ribs. The skull consists of 22 bones, including the cranial base bones, cranial vault bones, facial bones, and cranial sutures.
According to function
The human skeleton can also be classified according to its different functions, including the following categories:
(1) Support bones: mainly used to support body weight, such as the tibia and humerus.
(2) Protective bones: mainly used to protect internal organs, such as the sternum and ribs.
(3) Movement bones: mainly used to perform body movements, such as upper and lower limb bones.
(4) Hematopoietic bones: mainly used for hematopoiesis, such as thoracic and lumbar vertebrae.
Classification by Function
Human bones can also be classified according to their different functions, including the following categories:
(1) Support bones: mainly used to support body weight, such as the tibia, humerus, etc.
(2) Protection bones: mainly used to protect internal organs, such as the sternum, ribs, etc.
(3) Movement bones: mainly used to complete body movement, such as upper limb bones, lower limb bones, etc.
(4) Hematopoietic bones: mainly used for hematopoiesis, such as thoracic and lumbar vertebrae.
(5) Storage bones: mainly used to store minerals and energy, such as the ilium and spine.
Classification by Shape
Human bones have various shapes and can be classified according to their different shapes, including the following categories:
(1) Long bones: with a long, narrow shaft and two ends in the shape of bones, such as the humerus and femur.
(2) Short bones: with a shape resembling a cube or cylinder, such as the wrist bones and ankle bones.
(3) Flat bones: with a flat shape, mainly located on the surface of the body and in the pelvic area, such as the scapula and ilium.
(4) Irregular bones: with an irregular shape, such as the skull and spine.
３. Functions:
The main functions of the human skeletal system are to provide support, protect internal organs, assist in body movement, and store minerals and energy.
Support:
The human skeletal system provides support and posture to the body, enabling it to maintain balance and stability. The bones support the weight of our bodies, allowing us to stand, walk, and move.
Protection:
The human skeletal system can protect internal organs from external injuries. For example, the ribs can protect the heart and lungs, and the skull can protect the brain.
Movement:
The human skeletal system assists the body in performing various movements. The interaction between muscles and bones allows people to engage in activities such as running, jumping, dancing, swimming, and more.
Storage:
The human skeletal system can store minerals and energy. Minerals such as calcium and phosphorus in bones can be absorbed and released through bone metabolism to meet the body’s needs for minerals. At the same time, bones can also store energy substances such as fat and glucose.
４.Common Diseases:
Despite the high strength of the human skeletal system, people still face some bone diseases in life due to long-term exposure to adverse environments and lifestyles, as well as external injuries. Here are some common bone diseases:
Fracture:
Fracture refers to the phenomenon of cracking or breaking of bones due to excessive external force. Fractures are often caused by vigorous exercise, accidents, and osteoporosis, causing serious harm to the body.
Osteoporosis:
Osteoporosis refers to the reduction of mineral content in bone tissue, making bones more fragile and brittle. Osteoporosis is usually caused by long-term malnutrition, lack of exercise, hormone imbalances, and is a common disease in the elderly.
Arthritis:
Arthritis refers to a disease in which joint tissue is stimulated by inflammation, leading to joint pain and swelling. Arthritis is usually caused by age, obesity, lack of exercise, genetic factors, and seriously affects normal body movement.
Bone cancer:
Bone cancer is a malignant tumor that often forms masses in the bone and spreads to surrounding organs. Bone cancer often leads to tissue destruction, bone deformity, and fractures, posing a serious threat to the body.
Methods to protect bones
To protect bone health, people should pay attention to the following points:
- Balanced diet
A balanced diet can provide the body with the necessary nutrients such as minerals, vitamins, and proteins to ensure healthy bone growth and maintenance. Calcium and vitamin D in particular play an important role in bone growth and development, and bone stability, and sufficient intake should be ensured.
- Active exercise
Moderate exercise can promote bone growth and metabolism, increase bone strength and density, and prevent problems such as osteoporosis and fractures. However, appropriate exercise methods and intensity should be chosen based on one’s age and health status.
Avoid Overexertion
Overexertion can put too much pressure on the bones, increasing the risk of bone injury and disease. It’s important to properly manage your life and work to avoid overexertion and excessive exercise.
Maintain Good Posture
Good posture can reduce pressure on bones and muscles, preventing and relieving bone diseases. Avoid bad postures such as prolonged sitting, hunching, and prolonged bending of the head, and maintain good standing and sitting postures.
Stop Bad Habits
Bad habits such as smoking and excessive drinking can damage bones and overall health and should be stopped as soon as possible.
Regular Check-Ups
Regular check-ups can help detect and treat bone diseases and problems early, protecting bone health.
In summary, the human skeleton is an important part of the body, not only providing structural support and protection but also participating in bodily movement, metabolism, and storage functions. To protect bone health, we should pay attention to diet, exercise, posture, lifestyle habits, and other aspects to avoid the occurrence of bone diseases and problems, and improve our quality of life and health.