The skeletal system gives the body its basic framework, providing structure, protection, and movement. The 206 bones in the body also produce blood cells, store important minerals, and release hormones necessary to life. Aging is the process of growing old, especially by failure of replacement of cells in sufficient number to maintain full functional capacity. Aging greatly contributes to the degrading of our body structure and its functions.
As individual ages some cells do not replicate or divide to form new cells. We are born with just a finite amount of the cells which die gradually as we age. These cells are called G[ο] cells. The rate of the process of reproduction of other cells may also decrease. Aging cells function less well and
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The pupils react slower to changes in light intensity and the eyes produce less fluid causing them to become dry. The nerve cells also decrease number. These all contribute to the vision of the eyes getting bad. The sensitivity of the taste buds on the tongue decreases. The lining of the nose gets thinner and drier. The nerve endings in the nose deteriorate and the mouth begins to produce less saliva. These reduce the ability to taste and smell, which are linked. As you age, high pitched sounds become more difficult to hear and this is known as …show more content…
Older people become more prone to diseases such as pneumonia and influenza. Fewer blood cells are also produced due to a decrease in the amount of active bone marrow. The bone marrow is unable to increase blood production what the body is in need of it. The heart does not speed up as quickly and it along with blood vessels gets stiffer. Blood flow to the heart is slower, but, blood pressure increases due to less expansion of stiffer arteries when blood is pumped through them. Clots in the lumen of vessels tend to occur due to the gradual build up of fats which can lead to arteriosclerosis. Cholesterol level increases, which may contribute to coronary heart disease. The lungs absorb less oxygen due to a decrease in the number of alveoli. The chest along with present alveoli, become rigid. It loses some of its elasticity and the muscles which assist in breathing, such as the diaphragm,