You are here:
Funding
- Division Overview
- Bone Biology
- Bone Diseases
- Cartilage and Connective Tissue
- Clinical Osteoarthritis & Diagnostic Imaging of Bones and Joints
- Muscle Development and Physiology
- Muscle Disorders and Therapies
- Musculoskeletal Development, Tissue Engineering, and Regenerative Medicine
- Orthopaedic Research
Division of Musculoskeletal Diseases
Reviewed July 19, 2008
The musculoskeletal system is comprised of the skeleton, which provides mechanical support and determines shape; the muscles, which power movement; and connective tissues such as tendon and ligament, which hold the other components together. The cartilage surfaces of joints and the intervertebral discs of the spine allow for movement and flexibility.
The Division of Musculoskeletal Diseases of the NIAMS supports research aimed at improving the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and injuries of the musculoskeletal system and its component tissues. Key public health problems addressed by this research include osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and muscular dystrophy. Research is conducted at every level, from fundamental biology to clinical intervention. Research is managed under eight programs:
- Bone Biology
- Bone Diseases
- Cartilage and Connective Tissue
- Clinical Osteoarthritis & Diagnostic Imaging of Bones and Joints
- Muscle Development and Physiology
- Muscle Disorders and Therapies
- Musculoskeletal Development, Tissue Engineering, and Regenerative Medicine Program
- Orthopaedic Research
Contact Information:
Division of Musculoskeletal Diseases
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
National Institutes of Health
One Democracy Plaza
6701 Democracy Blvd. Ste. 800
Bethesda, MD 20892-4872
Telephone: (301) 594-5055
FAX: (301) 480-4543