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The Skeletal System - Aging and Disease
The skeletal system is required for nearly every body movement. It also supports the body at rest, protects vital organs, and produces blood cells. However, like any other system, it is susceptible to disease. Different diseases become more (or less) likely as the body ages. A few common diseases include scoliosis, arthritis, and osteoporosis

Scoliosis
Scoliosis is defined as an “s” or “c” shaped spinal curvature. It is most often diagnosed during adolescence, partially due puberty, a biological time period which causes abnormal growth spurts to the skeletal system. Pre-existing conditions such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy may contribute to scoliosis, although the primary cause remains to be identified. Typically, scoliosis is formally diagnosed after an x-ray examining the spinal column has been performed. Children may require additional x-rays to monitor the status of the spine as they progress through puberty. Surgery may be required to correct the condition, however, back braces may be sufficient; and, in some cases, no treatment is required.

Arthritis
Arthritis is caused by joint inflammation, and is often seen in the hands, knees, or hips. There are two primary branches of arthritis: rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is caused be an autoimmune disorder, whereas osteoarthritis is caused by natural wear and tear experienced by joints in everyday life. Symptoms of both types include joint pain, redness, swelling, and stiffness. The cartilage which coats the ends of the bones connected by the joint, decreases over time and may even result in bone-on-bone grinding in severe cases. As to be expected, osteoarthritic symptoms typically worsen as the body ages. In rheumatoid arthritis, the decrease in cartilage may be accelerated by local attacks from the immune system on the lining of the joint capsule.

Osteoporosis
Bones are living tissues which must constantly be renewed by healthy, nutrient-laden cells. Healthy, young bones typically replace older bone with new structures faster than then are diminished. This ensures that a robust bone pool constantly supplies the skeletal system. However, as bodies age, bone regeneration slows. Osteoporosis can occur if the creation of new bone does not match the degeneration of previous bone. When osteoporosis sets in, bones become brittle and weak. This makes routine body movements, such as coughing, reaching down, or traversing a staircase, dangerous as the bones may snap or suffer a fracture. It can also be observed through symptoms such as back pain or decreased height. It is very important to monitor diet when the body is young to develop a hearty nutrient pool for later use. Calcium consumption, in particular, plays a major role in the prevention of osteoporosis.

Discussion/Research Questions: 1. A subtle spinal curve exists in all humans. It is only when the spine curves in excess that scoliosis is diagnosed. Provide one reason why a gentle, natural curve typically exists.

2. Scoliosis is often more commonly identified in females than males, and females often require more treatment. Why do you believe this is true?

3. How might an eating disorder affect one’s likelihood to develop osteoporosis? Does the age at which one encounters an eating disorder affect this likelihood?

4. Gastrointestinal surgery is a treatment method which can be used to promote weight loss. In this surgery, the size of the stomach may decrease, and parts of the intestinal tract may be removed. How might this affect the potential for a body to develop osteoarthritis?

5. 5. Why might arthritis be particularly problematic for weight bearing joints such as the hips or knees?

6. 6. According to the Arthritis Foundation, American females outnumber males in rheumatoid arthritis cases at a ratio of approximately 2.5:1. It often onsets between 25 - 50 years old, but some children have expressed symptoms as well. However, the overall frequency of arthritis is much more evenly dispersed, at a rate of approximately 60% female and 40% male, and both sexes tend to exhibit symptoms after about 50 years of age. Why do you think this may be?

Reference Documentation:
1. Understanding arthritis/disease center. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.arthritis.org/conditionstreatments/disease-center/women/
2. WebMD. (2005-2013). Rheumatoid arthritis health center. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/guide/rheumatoid-arthritis-overview_facts 3. Mayo Clinic. (2013, January 22). Arthritis. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/arthritis/DS01122 4. Mayo Clinic. (2013, February 3). Scoliosis. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/scoliosis/DS00194 5. Mayo Clinic. (2013, June 21). Osteoporosis. Retrieved from
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/osteoporosis/DS00128