Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology

170

Career

Focus

Chapter 7

There are many careers available to individuals who are interested in the skeletal system.

● Athletic trainers provide guidance to develop muscles and bones for agility, good

looks, and sports training.^

● Chiropractors or doctors of chiropractic complete at least 2 years of premedical

studies, followed by 4 years of study in an approved chiropractic school, learning

mechanical manipulation of the spinal column as a method to maintain a healthy

nervous system.^

● Prosthetists are individuals who create artificial limbs.

● Orthopedists are physicians specializing in preventing and correcting disorders of the

skeleton, joints, and muscles. There are also careers in orthopedic nursing.^

● Orthotists are individuals who design, make, and fit braces or other orthopedic

devices prescribed by a physician.^

● Paramedics and emergency medical technicians can also further train and specialize

in the treatment of skeletal system disorders like broken bones and fractures.

Common Disease, Disorder, or Condition

DISORDERS OF THE SKELETAL SYSTEM

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis (oss-tee-oh-poh-ROH-sis) is a disorder of the skeletal system character-

ized by a decrease in bone mass with accompanying increased susceptibility to bone

fractures. This results from decreased levels of estrogens that occur after meno-pause

in women and in both men and women in old age. Estrogens help maintain bone tissue

by stimulating osteoblasts to form new bone.

Osteoporosis occurs more often in middle-aged and elderly women, but it can also

affect teenagers who do not eat a proper balanced diet, people allergic to dairy

products, and anyone with eating disorders. The bone mass becomes depleted in such

a way that the skeleton cannot withstand everyday mechanical stress. Bone fractures

are common, even from normal daily activities. This disease is responsible