Musculoskeletal System Essay

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The human body is a complex network that has many organ systems designed for proper functioning. As the body ages over time, it also affects the effectiveness of these organ systems. One of the organ systems that demonstrates the most significant age-related changes have to be the musculoskeletal system. The musculoskeletal system provides the most obvious external signs of aging because its main function is to provide protection, support and movement of the muscles and bones (Aldwin). These functions are essential to the mobility and strength of the adult population in order to preserve their quality of life.
The two main age-related changes that are seen in this system pertain to the bones and soft tissues. Bone is the fundamental part of the musculoskeletal system because it provides structure and strength for the body. In order for proper functioning, the bone needs to absorb nutrients from the body; however, as a person increases in age, the intake of vitamin D is less absorbed. This contributes to the decrease in bone mass after the age of thirty-five (Aldwin). Moreover, the health of bones in later life is different for women and men. Men are more active compared to women and the declines in sex hormones are slower in men than in women (Aldwin). Immediately after menopause, women are at greater risk of bone …show more content…

Changes common enough that the majority of the population can expect to experience them as they age deals with age-related changes (Aldwin). In the musculoskeletal system, most people expect that as they age, the muscle strength will decrease due to wear and tear in certain areas. Disease processes in later life are described as the malfunctions in individuals that can accelerate the aging process (Aldwin). Some examples in the musculoskeletal system include osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, back pain, bursitis and

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