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The anatomy and physiology of the locomotor system

Alistair Farley Lecturer in nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Dundee

Ella McLafferty Retired, was senior lecturer, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Dundee

Charles Hendry Retired, was senior lecturer, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Dundee

Mobilisation is one of the activities of living. The term locomotor system refers to those body tissues and organs responsible for movement. Nurses and healthcare workers should be familiar with the body structures that enable mobilisation to assist those in their care with this activity. This article outlines the structure and function of the locomotor system, including the skeleton, joints, muscles and muscle attachments. Two common bone disorders, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, are also considered.

Nursing Standard. 27, 7, 35-43. doi: 10.7748/ns2012.10.27.7.35.c9358

Peer review

This article has been subject to double blind peer review

Keywords :

Anatomy and physiology - bones - joints - locomotor system - muscles

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17 October 2012 / Vol 27 issue 7

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