8.4 (done)

functions of the skeletal system

• shape

• support

• movement

• protection

• blood + cell production

• storage

shape

• Bone structure gives shape to the body

• Changes as the body grows

• Determines height and width

support

• Skeleton provides support to the body

• Keeps internal organs in place

• Vertebra help to stand straight

movement

• Bones are held together by ligaments and tendons

• points of attachment for muscles via articulations (joints).

• Muscles attached to bones

• Muscles contract and the skeleton moves

protection

• Bones protect vital internal organs

• e.g., brain is encased within the cranium + the heart and lungs are protected by the rib cage

blood + cell production

• red marrow contained within certain bones contains stem cells that can differentiate into blood cells

storage

• stores + releases minerals and fat

• e.g., calcium, phosphorus, sodium + potassium

names of bones

types of bone

long, short, flat, irregular, sesamoid.

long

shape: long, large and strong.

function: weight-bearing + provide long levers for speed

Eg: long limbs eg. Femur, humerus, tibia etc

short

shape: cube/round

function: large range of movement

Eg: wrist, feet, knee, hands etc

flat

shape: broad, flat surface for muscles to attach to

function: Protecting vital organs

Eg: ribs, skull, sternum

irregular

what: All the rest that aren’t in the above categories

function: areas where more strength is needed

Eg: Vertebra

sesamoid

• shape: small + oval

• function: protect tendons from excessive strain by reducing friction + pressure

• Eg: patella

how many bones in adult human skeleton

206

axial skeleton

• consists of the bones that lie around the central axis of the body

  • skull, vertebral column, ribs, sternum.

appendicular skeleton

• consists of the bones of the upper and lower limbs + shoulders and pelvis

  • limbs, pectoral and pelvic girdles.