Musculoskeletal system

Synonyms: locomotor system, activity system
German: Bewegungsapparat, muskuloskelettales System

1 Definition

The musculoskeletal system is a complex organ system of the human body that helps keep the body structure and posture intact. It also serves movement and locomotion of the body.

The musculoskeletal system forms a functional unit with its supporting apparatus (passive system).

2 Structure

The musculoskeletal system can be divided into an "active" and a "passive" system. This classification is not very distinct because strictly speaking, only muscle tissue is movable (contractility). Different authors have different concepts of classifying the components of the musculoskeletal system.

2.1 Active musculoskeletal system

The active musculoskeletal system mainly serves locomotion and consists of skeletal muscles and their associated structures:

• Fasciae
• Tendons
• Tendon sheaths
• Bursas

An overview of all skeletal muscles can be found here: "Skeletal muscles of the human body"

2.2 Passive musculoskeletal system

The passive musculoskeletal system (supporting apparatus) primarily works to keep the body in the right shape and reinforce it. It consists of the skeletal system and associated structures:

• Bones
• Cartilage
• Joints
• Intervertebral disks (spinal disks)
• Ligaments