In brief
About 600 muscles and 206 bones let you move and protect your organs. Bones also hold most of the body's calcium.
- Osteoporosis is a loss of bone density and strength. If you have it, you are more likely to fracture a bone if you fall over.
- Most bones contain bone marrow, where blood cells are made.
- Joints get sore and swollen for many reasons, including arthritis.
How it works
Skeletal muscle is attached to bones and allows movement, and together they form the musculoskeletal system. The body is constantly remodelling the skeleton, and bones need a steady supply of dietary calcium, enough vitamin D from sunshine and food, and regular weight-bearing exercise.
Muscle mass and strength can fall with ageing and not being physically active. Exercise, especially resistance (strength) training, is very important for improving muscle mass and strength, and Australia's adult guidelines include muscle-strengthening activities on at least 2 days each week.
Connections
12 connections on the map. Select a topic to read its page.
Muscles and bones is supported by
Testosterone is responsible for sexual function, bone health and muscle mass.
- Creatine Supported
Creatine supplements can increase strength, power and the ability to contract muscles for maximum effort.
Source: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, Dietary supplements for exercise and athletic performance
Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium for strong bones, and your muscles need it to move.
Sources: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, Vitamin D fact sheet for consumers; Pathology Tests Explained, Vitamin D
Exercise, especially resistance (strength) training, is very important for improving muscle mass and strength.
Muscles and bones is linked with
Joints get sore and swollen for many reasons, including arthritis.
- Vitamin K Emerging
Vitamin K is needed for bone proteins such as osteocalcin, but it is unclear whether supplements prevent osteoporosis.
Source: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, Vitamin K: fact sheet for health professionals
Loss of muscle mass and strength may be caused by ageing and not being physically active.
Muscles and bones needs
Almost all calcium in the body is stored in bones and teeth.
Source: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, Calcium fact sheet for consumers
Proteins give structure and support to body tissues such as muscles.
Source: healthdirect Australia, Protein
Iron is used to make myoglobin, a protein that provides oxygen to muscles.
Source: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, Iron fact sheet for consumers
Muscles and bones is affected by
If you have osteoporosis, you are more likely to fracture a bone if you fall over.
Osteoarthritis can affect the whole joint and the structures around it, most often in the knees, hips, hands, spine and feet.
Medicines and supplements
General education only. Never start, stop or change a medicine without your prescriber.
Sources
- Muscles
- Bones
- Loss of muscle mass
- Osteoporosis
- Physical activity and exercise guidelines for adults
- Arthritis
Each connection above names its own source. See every source AskBioMap uses.
Summarised from the Better Health Channel, healthdirect and the Australian Government guidelines. Sources read on 13 and 16 October 2026. General education only, not medical advice. Spotted a mistake? Please tell us through the HuBu-Intel contact page.