Skeletal System

The Structure of the Skeleton

Task:

Test yourself by trying to name the bones of the skeleton

There are four major classifications of bone in the human skeleton.

Long bones: Bones that are longer than they are wide, like a femur. These play a key part in leverage and movement.

Short bones: Bones that are box-like in shape, like tarsals. These are designed to be weight bearing.

Flat bones: Thin, plate bones that act like a shell, such as the cranium. They provide protection and a large surface to which muscles can attach.

Irregular bones: Unusually shaped bones for a unique purpose, like vertebrae. These also provide protection and a large surface to which muscles can attach.

Identify on the diagram above which are long, short, flat and irregular bones.

Test your knowledge.

What are the classification of the following bones? (Short/Long/Flat/Irregular):

  • Cranium
  • Clavicle
  • Phalanges
  • Scapula
  • Vertebral column
  • Sternum
  • Ribs
  • Metatarsals
  • Tarsals
  • Humerus
  • Radius
  • Ulna
  • Patella
  • Femur
  • Tibia
  • Fibula
  • Carpals
  • Metacarpals

Practice identifying the different vertebrae.

You should also know how they help sports movements.

Web-links

Interactive Skeleton (Use this to test your knowledge of the skeleton)

Revision of the bones in the skeleton (Use this to help revision the names of the bones and their functions)

Skeletal System Structure.pdf

Summary of the lesson notes:

  • Names of bones
  • Locations of bones
  • Types of bones

Functions of the Skeleton

If you can remember “Bones Make Moving Joints Possible”, then you have a memory aid to recall the functions of the skeleton:

Blood cell production, Muscle attachment, Mineral storage, Joints for movement, Protection of vital organs.

Blood Cell Production:

  • Platelets, red & white blood cells are formed in the bone marrow. In exam questions you may need to discuss the importance of these in a sporting activity. As red blood cells carry oxygen this is the cell you need to focus on as this has an immediate effect on physical activity. Platelets and white blood cells would not be immediate but would help recover from an injury such as an abrasion. see Cardiovascular System for more.

Muscle attachment:

  • The skeleton offers a surface for muscles to attach to. A muscle is joined to a bone by a tendon. When a muscle is contracted it pulls on a bone to create movement.

Mineral Storage:

  • The skeletal system stores minerals such as calcium in the bones. Minerals are essential for many functions in the human body. Calcium is particular important when contracting a muscle and phosphorus (also stored in bones) is used in energy production.

Joints for movement:

  • Movement in the skeleton can only take place at a joint. A joint is where bones meet. Any sporting example is likely to require movement for example the elbow joint allows a boxer to throw a job punch.

Protection:

  • The skeleton protects vital organs. The ribs protect the lungs & heart while to cranium protects the brain. In an exam question you would need to link this to a sports example such as a rugby player may receive a knock to the head and the cranium would protect the brain from injury and allow them to continue playing.

Web link:

BBC Bitesize

Skeleton bone location and roles task.docx

Task:

Have a go at this task, identifying the location of each bone, its type and role

Skeletal system Functions & Joint Actions.pdf

Summary of the lesson notes:

  • Functions of the skeleton
  • Classification of joints
  • Movements at joints

Joints

A joint is defined as a place where two or more bones meet.

Bones are rigid so it is the presence of joints that allows movements to occur.

Most joints in the human body are freely movable or “synovial” joints. Synovial

joints share lots of common features but they can be classified according to

their structure and the range of movement they allow.

The four main joint classifications are:

  • pivot joint – seen at the atlas/axis at the top of the neck
  • hinge joint – seen at the elbow, knee and ankle
  • ball and socket joint – seen at the hip and shoulder
  • condyloid joint – seen at the wrist.

Task: For each of the sporting examples, name the type of joint that is being used, the bones that make up the joint and identify the movement occurring.

The number 10's knees

The racket shoulder

The red boxer's arms

The hips, ankle and shoulder

Summary of lesson notes:

  • Types of Joints
  • Types of Synovial Joints
  • Connective Tissues
  • Types of Joint Movement
Skeletal system Joints pdf.pdf

Connective Tissues

Ligaments and tendons

During movements, two connective tissues play a very important role at joints.

Ligaments connect bone to bone and hold the joint together. They are tough and slightly elastic, so they help to prevent dislocations. A dislocation happens when a bone is forced out of place.

Tendons connect muscles to bones, ensuring that when a muscle contracts, the effort is transferred to the bone and movement is created.

The tendons allow movement to happen, and the ligaments prevent the movement going too far and dislocating the joint.