Bones

Bone serves many important functions. Bones support the body, protect underlying organs, and provide a movable skeleton against which the muscles can work. In addition, bone forms all the cells of the blood, plus takes part in calcium and acid-base balance, and storage of trace elements (such as zinc) needed by cells elsewhere. bone as the most lasting parts of the body, bones are traditionally used for ‘mortal remains’. The longest bone is the femur (thigh bone), which accounts for a quarter of one's stature; the smallest bone is the stapes — one of the tiny ossicles in the middle ear which transmits the vibrations from the ear drum to the inner ear. There are over 200 bones in the adult skeleton. They can be divided into two principal types: the long bones such as the femur, tibia, and humerus, which develop principally from within a cartilaginous framework, and the flat bones such as the skull, bones of the pelvis, and scapula, which develop within membranes of fibrous tissue.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a form of joint disorder that involves inflammation of one or more joints. There are over 100 different forms of arthritis. The most common form, osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease), is a result of trauma to the joint, infection of the joint, or age. Other arthritis forms are rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and related autoimmune diseases. Septic arthritis is caused by joint infection. Arthritis involves the breakdown of cartilage. Cartilage normally protects a joint, allowing it to move smoothly. Cartilage also absorbs shock when pressure is placed on the joint, such as when you walk. Without the normal amount of cartilage, the bones rub together, causing pain, swelling (inflammation), and stiffness. Joint inflammation may result from:
1. An autoimmune disease (the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue)
2. Broken bone
3. General ""wear and tear"" on joints
4. Infection, usually by bacteria or virus Arthritis causes joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited movement. Symptoms can include:
1. Joint pain
2. Joint swelling
3. Reduced ability to move the joint
4. Redness of the skin around a joint