Skeleton and Locomotion

Flashcards covering key concepts and vocabulary related to the skeleton and locomotion in biology.

Locomotion

The movement of the whole organism from place to place.

Skeletal System

The supporting framework of an organism that helps it stay upright and move.

Support

One of the primary functions of the skeletal system, providing shape and stability to the body.

Protection

The skeletal system protects soft internal organs such as the brain, heart, and lungs.

Antagonistic Muscles

Muscles that work in opposition to each other to facilitate movement.

Hydrostatic Skeleton

A type of skeleton that uses fluid pressure for support, found in organisms like earthworms and jellyfish.

Exoskeleton

A hard external skeleton found on the outside of an organism, such as in insects and tortoises.

Endoskeleton

An internal skeleton made up of bones, typical of vertebrates including humans.

Vertebrates

Animals that have a backbone, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish.

Oxygenated Blood

Blood rich in oxygen, typically carried by arteries except the pulmonary artery.

Deoxygenated Blood

Blood low in oxygen, typically carried by veins except the pulmonary vein.

Red Blood Cells

Cells in the blood responsible for transporting oxygen to the body's tissues.

White Blood Cells

Cells in the blood that help fight infections and engulf bacteria.

Platelets

Cell fragments that are important for blood clotting.

Peristalsis

The contraction and relaxation of muscles in the digestive system to move food through the digestive tract.

Calcium

A mineral stored in bones, crucial for the strength and function of bones.

Mammalian Skeleton

The framework of bones within mammals, consisting of 206 bones in adults.