Musculoskeletal System Foundations

The musculoskeletal system supports the body, protects organs, maintains posture, and converts muscle contraction into movement. Bones provide rigid support and act as levers. Skeletal muscles generate force; tendons transmit that force to bone, while ligaments stabilize one bone against another. Articular cartilage creates a smooth, low-friction surface at synovial joints, and the synovial lining produces fluid that helps nourish and lubricate the joint. Pain and loss of function usually arise when one or more of these structures is injured, inflamed, infected, worn, or deprived of blood flow. A tendon problem often hurts with resisted movement. A ligament injury may produce instability. Cartilage loss can cause activity-related joint pain and crepitus. Bone injury may cause focal tenderness, deformity, or inability to bear weight. These patterns help the nurse connect the patient’s complaint with the structure most likely involved. Bone is living tissue that is continuously remodelled. Osteoblasts build bone and osteoclasts resorb it. When resorption exceeds formation over time, bone becomes less dense and more vulnerable to fracture. Osteoporosis may remain silent until a fracture occurs; it is therefore not...