Muscular Skeletal System

Question 1

Describe the function of the skeleton: Protection of vital organs

Answer 1

Support and protection – the bones of the skeleton provide support for the body and also protect the organs found within it. For example, the cranium protects the brain, the ribs offer protection to the heart and lungs, the vertebrae protect the spinal cord and the pelvis offers protection to the sensitive reproductive organs.

Question 2

Describe the function of the skeleton: Muscle attachment

Answer 2

Attachment of muscles – the bones of the skeleton provide surfaces for the attachment of muscles. This is why bones are often irregular shapes and have bony points and grooves to provide attachment points

Question 3

Describe the function of the skeleton: Joints for movement

Answer 3

Movement – the skeleton allows movement of the body as a whole and its individual parts. The bones act as levers and also form joints that allow muscles to pull on them and produce joint movements.

Question 4

Describe the function of the skeleton: Platelets, red and white blood cell production

Answer 4

Production of blood cells – certain bones in the skeleton contain red bone marrow and the bone marrow produces red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Examples of bones that contain marrow are the pelvis, sternum, vertebrae and clavicle.

Question 5

Describe the function of the skeleton: Storage of calcium and phosphorus

Answer 5

Storage of minerals – the bones themselves are made of minerals and act as a mineral store for calcium and phosphorous, which can be given up if the body requires the minerals for other functions.

Question 6

Long Bones

Answer 6

Femur, Cylindrical in shape and found in the limbs. Their main function is to act as a lever.

Question 7

Short Bones

Answer 7

Carpals, Small and compact, often equal in length and width. These types of bone are designed for strength and weight bearing.

Question 8

Flat Bones

Answer 8

Ribs, Have a flat surface. Their function is for protection for the internal organs of the body.

Question 9

Irregular Bones

Answer 9

Vertebrae, Complex individual shapes, variety of functions including protection and muscle attachment.

Question 10

Synovial Joints

Answer 10

Synovial joints (freely movable joints) allow us the free movement to perform skills and techniques during physical activity.
Synovial joints have synovial fluid in the joint cavity that lubricates or 'oils' the joint so it moves smoothly. Synovial fluid is made by the synovial membrane.
In synovial joints, the ends of the bones are covered with cartilage (called articular cartilage) which cushions the joint and prevents friction and wear and tear between the bone ends. Cartilage is a soft, spongy connective tissue. The articular capsule prevents wear and tear on the bones.
Ball & Socket, Hinge, Condyloid, Pivot

Question 11

Flexion

Answer 11

if the angle of the joint is getting smaller then the movement is flexion

Question 12

Extension

Answer 12

if the angle at the joint is getting bigger then the movement is extension

Question 13

Abduction

Answer 13

if the movement is taking away from the body then the movement is abduction

Question 14

Adduction

Answer 14

if the action is adding to the body then the movement is adduction

Question 15

Rotation

Answer 15

if the movement is around then the movement is rotation

Question 16

Joints

Answer 16

Joints

A joint is a place where two or more bones meet and is also called an articulation.

Question 17

Role of joints and connective tissue

Answer 17

Connective tissues consist of ligaments, cartilage and tendons.
A joint is held together by ligaments which give the joints their stability.
Cartilage is found at the ends of bones and where joints meet.
Tendons attach muscles to the skeleton.

Question 18

Hinge

Answer 18

Hinge - these can be found in the elbow, knee and ankle. Hinge joints are like the hinges on a door, and allow you to move the elbow and knee in only one direction. They allow flexion and extension of a joint. At the ankle, different terms are used. When the toes are pointed downwards, it is plantar flexion and when the toes are pointed upwards it is dorsiflexion.

Question 19

Ball and Socket

Answer 19

Ball and socket - these types of joint can be found at the shoulder and hip and allow movement in almost every direction. A ball and socket joint is made up of a round end of one bone that fits into a small cup-like area of another bone.

Question 20

Pivot

Answer 20

Pivot - this joint can be found in the neck between the top two vertebrae. It allows only rotational movement such as moving your head from side to side as if you were saying ‘no’.

Question 21

Condyloid

Answer 21

Condyloid - this type of joint is found at the wrist. It allows you to flex and extend the joint, and move it from side to side.

Question 22

Smooth Muscle

Answer 22

smooth muscle – found in the internal organs and blood vessels - this is involuntary

Question 23

Cardiac Muscle

Answer 23

cardiac muscle – found only in the heart - this is involuntary

Question 24

Skeletal Muscle

Answer 24

skeletal muscle – attached to the skeleton - this is voluntary

Question 25

Involuntary muscles

Answer 25

are not under our conscious control which means we can’t make them contract when we think about it.

Question 26

Voluntary muscles

Answer 26

are under our conscious control so we can move these muscles when we want to.