Human Physiology: Locomotion & Movement

Human Physiology: Locomotion & Movement

Overview

  • Key Systems in Movement:
    • Skeletal system: Provides structural framework.
    • Muscular system: Facilitates movement through contraction and relaxation.
    • Nervous system: Coordinates muscle contractions.

Major Components of the Skeletal System

  • Bones: Provide structure and support.
  • Cartilage: Flexible tissue found at joints, ear, and nose.
  • Ligaments: Connect bones at joints.
  • Tendons: Connect muscles to bones.

Functions of the Skeletal System

  1. Mechanical Functions:

    • Shapes body and supports soft tissues.
    • Protects vital organs like the brain, lungs, and heart.
    • Serves as points for muscle attachment, enabling movement.
    • Important for locomotion through joint articulation.
    • Supports body weight through muscle attachment.

  2. Physiological Functions:

    • Blood Cell Production: Red bone marrow produces red blood cells.
    • Respiration Assistance: Plays a role in breathing and hearing through the ribcage.
    • Mineral Storage: Stores minerals like calcium and phosphorus.
    • Hormonal Regulation: Bones release osteocalcin affecting blood sugar and fat storage.
    • Maintains body ionic balance.

Classification of Skeletal System

  1. Exoskeletal System: External skeleton (e.g. nails, teeth).
  2. Endoskeletal System: Internal skeleton composed mainly of bone and cartilage (divided into axial and appendicular).
  3. Splanchnic Skeleton: Related to certain organs (e.g. laryngeal cartilage).

Bone Classification

  1. Long Bones: E.g., humerus and femur, with a central shaft.
  2. Short Bones: E.g., carpals and tarsals, cube-shaped.
  3. Flat Bones: E.g., skull, ribs, and sternum, thin and flattened.
  4. Irregular Bones: E.g., vertebrae, with complex shapes.
  5. Pneumatic Bones: Hollow or contain air spaces (e.g. sinus-containing bones).

Movements in the Knee

  • Muscles Involved:
    • Hamstring Group (Flexors): Biceps femoris, semimembranosus, semitendinosus; allows bending.
    • Quadriceps Group (Extensors): Rectus femoris, vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, vastus intermedius; allows straightening.

Types of Bone Fractures

  1. Transverse Fracture: Break occurs straight across the bone.
  2. Linear Fracture: Runs parallel to the bone's axis.
  3. Oblique Fracture: Occurs at an angle.
  4. Spiral Fracture: Twisted break, common in sports injuries.
  5. Greenstick Fracture: Incomplete fracture, common in children.
  6. Comminuted Fracture: Multiple fragments occur.

Joint Injuries

  • Dislocations: Joint surfaces are no longer aligned; immediate medical attention required.
  • Sprains: Ligament overstretched or torn, use RICE method for first aid (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation).
First Aid for Fractures and Dislocations
  1. Immobilize the affected area.
  2. Apply ice to reduce swelling.
  3. Seek immediate medical assistance for severe injuries.
  4. Perform RICE method for sprains.