Human Physiology: Locomotion & Movement

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to human physiology, specifically locomotion and movement.

Locomotion

The movement of an organism from one place to another.

Muscle Tissue

Tissue that contracts to cause movement; includes skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscle tissue.

Skeleton

The framework of bones that supports the body and protects organs.

Joint

The location where two or more bones meet, allowing movement.

Flexor Muscle

Muscle that decreases the angle between body parts, bringing them closer together.

Extensor Muscle

Muscle that increases the angle between body parts, moving them apart.

Tendon

A connective tissue that connects muscle to bone.

Ligament

A connective tissue that connects bone to bone.

Cartilage

A flexible connective tissue found in various parts of the body, including joints.

Fracture

A break in the continuity of the bone.

Dislocation

The displacement of a bone from its normal joint position.

Sprain

Injury to a ligament caused by overstretching.

Humerus

The bone of the upper arm or forelimb.

Femur

The thigh bone, the longest bone in the human body.

Patella

A small bone located in front of the knee joint, also known as the kneecap.

Osteon

The structural unit of compact bone, consisting of a central canal surrounded by concentric layers of bone tissue.

Myofibril

A long, filamentous organelle found in muscle cells that facilitate contraction.

Cartilaginous Joint

A type of joint where the bones are connected by cartilage.

Synovial Joint

A highly movable joint characterized by a fluid-filled cavity.

Mechanical Advantage

The factor by which a mechanism multiplies the force put into it.

Hamstring

A group of muscles located at the back of the thigh, involved in knee flexion.

Quadriceps

A group of muscles in the front of the thigh responsible for knee extension.

Tibia

The larger and stronger of the two bones in the lower leg, located medially.

Fibula

The smaller of the two bones in the lower leg, located laterally.

Axial Skeleton

The part of the skeleton that includes the skull, vertebral column, and ribcage.

Appendicular Skeleton

The part of the skeleton that includes the bones of the limbs and girdles.

Cartilage Types

Includes hyaline, elastic, and fibrocartilage, differing in structure and function.

Primary Functions of Bones

Support, protection, movement, mineral storage, and blood cell production.

Pectoral Girdle

The structure that supports the upper limbs and connects them to the axial skeleton.

Pelvic Girdle

The bony structure that connects the lower limbs to the axial skeleton.

Lateral Meniscus

Cartilage in the knee that absorbs shock and stabilizes the joint.

Anatomical Position

A standard position of the body used as reference for anatomical descriptions.