The medical field of orthopedics focuses on the musculoskeletal system of the human body. This system, which is also known as the locomotor system, is a network of organs present in the bodies of most animals, consisting of the bones and muscles, as well as connective tissue such as cartilage, ligaments, tendons, joints and other parts which hold the body together. Austin area residents tend to be active, so wear and tear on the joints or injury should be promptly evaluated by a Round Rock orthopedic specialist.
The main function of the musculoskeletal system is the ability of motion it allows for the body. Aside from this, however, there are a wide variety of important functions that are carried out by the system’s individual parts; the skeleton, for instance, serves as a framework to which tissues and organs attach themselves, allowing it to support the structure of the body. In addition to this, the skeleton protects the body’s vital organs from outside harm and acts as the primary means of storing calcium and phosphorous—it also helps to produce blood, making it a major part of the hematopoietic system.
As for the muscles, they come in three different types, each of which performs a different function. In the human body, there is skeletal, smooth and cardiac muscle. Skeletal muscles are those that are affixed to the bones, and because they are under the control of the somatic nervous system, their motion can be voluntarily controlled. These muscles are attached to the skeleton by tendons, which are thick collections of collagen fibers. By contrast, smooth muscle is entirely involuntary and is composed of non-striated muscle tissue. It lines the walls of the vessels, arteries and veins, and can also be found in other parts of the body such as the bladder, uterus, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract and even the iris of the eye. Cardiac muscle is found in the walls of the heart. It has nearly the same structure as skeletal muscle, as it is made up of striated tissue—however, like smooth muscle, its cells are mononuclear. Cardiac muscles drive the contractions that pump blood through the body.
Because of its close relationship to other critical parts of the body, the musculoskeletal system is vulnerable to a variety of diseases and other issues. Orthopedic doctors are those that specialize in identifying and treating musculoskeletal problems. There are a number of orthopedic complications that do not require the intervention of a surgeon—chiropractic, podiatry and kinesiology are all examples of nonsurgical orthopedic medical procedures. However, many of the more severe musculoskeletal complications will require more complex treatment. For those living in Round Rock, orthopedic clinics offer a wide variety of such medical services, carried out by highly experienced professionals who excel in the field.
If you are a resident of Round Rock and are experiencing pain, debilitation, or any other musculoskeletal complications, then proper treatment is within your grasp. To get in touch with a good Round Rock orthopedics clinic, simply call 512-439-1000 or visit Texas Orthopedics.
Contact Texas Orthopedics, Sports and Rehabilitation Associates for Round Rock orthopedic practitioners. Call (512) 439-1000, (877) 966-7846, or request an appointment online. Texas Orthopedics, Sports and Rehabilitation Services has six locations in the Austin area to care for your orthopedic and rheumatology needs.