Short & Long Term Effects of Exercise on The Skeletal System

Unit 2The Physiology of Fitness

Short Term Effects

• Increased Range of Movement Moving about more stimulates the synovial

membrane on the inside of the joint capsule.Synovial membrane secretes synovial fluidFluid becomes less viscous (thinner)Joints become easier to moveMuscles are warmer and can stretch more

Long Term Effects• Increase in Bone Calcium StoresExercise – stress on the bones – bones get strongerWeight bearing exercise causes more minerals to be stored in

your bones including calcium & collagen (protein – connective tissue)

• Increased Stretch of Ligaments & TendonsLigs & tendons become stronger and more flexibleMuscles get stronger so tendons have to get stronger as well

so they can cope with the extra pull Ligs have to get stronger & more flexible so they can control

the joints that the stronger muscles & tendons act on

• Increased thickness of Hyaline CartilageCartilage on the ends of bones becomes thicker

to cope with the extra wear & tear and shock absorption from increase in activity

• Increased Production of Synovial FluidBecause the joints are being used more through

exercise the synovial membrane produces more fluid to keep the joints lubricated