Pediatric Nursing Demystified

Overview

The musculoskeletal system consists of bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments,

and fascia and provides support for soft tissue and protection for organs within

the body. The musculoskeletal system is also a reservoir for calcium and phos-

phorus and the site where red blood cells are produced.

Bones provide the rigid framework for the body and are moved when skele-

tal muscles contract. Skeletal muscles are connected to bones by bands of

fibrous connective tissue called tendons.Bones are connected to each other

to form a joint by fibrous connective tissue called a ligament.

Bones, muscles, and other structures in the body are covered by an

uninterrupted web of tissues called fasciathat maintains the body’s structural

integrity.

Bones

Bones are covered by the periosteum,a double layer of connective tissue that

covers all bone except for joints. The periosteum nourishes the bone. Chil-

dren have a thick vascular periosteum that provides nourishment for bone

growth and faster healing.

Bones develop from tissues during the ossification process where osteoblasts

provide the structure for bone cells. Deposits of calcium and phosphorus, regulated

by the thyroid and parathyroid glands, form salt that strengthens the framework

for new bone. Placing bones under stress results in increased deposits in bone;

periods of no stress results in resorption of deposits by the body.

Long bones have a growth end called the epiphysis. At the epiphysis there

is the epiphyseal platecommonly referred to as the growth plate. The epiphy-

seal plate is composed of cartilage,dense connective tissue that does not con-

tain blood vessels. As the child grows, the epiphyseal plate is replaced by

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(^278) Pediatric Nursing Demystified
Cartilage
Comminuted fracture
Compartment syndrome
Contusion
Epiphyseal line
Epiphyseal plate
Fascia
Greenstick fracture
Hairline fracture
Ligaments
Pavlik harness
Periosteum
RICE
Sprain
Strain
Synovial joints
Tendons
Traction

KEY WORDS