Structure of the skeleton

3.1 The human body and movement in physical activity and sport

3.1.1 Applies anatomy and physiology

Students should develop knowledge and understanding of the key body systems and how they impact on health, fitness and performance in physical activity and sport.

3.1.1.1 The structure and functions of the musculoskeletal system

Content : Structure of the skeleton

Additional information :

How the skeletal system provides a framework for movement (in conjunction with the muscular system) :

• the skeletal system allows movement at a joint
• the shape and type of the bones determine the amount of movement (short bones enable finer controlled movements/long bones enable gross movement)
• flat bones for protection of vital organs
• the different joint types allow different types of movement
• the skeleton provides a point of attachment for muscles - when muscles contract they pull the bone

The skeletal system works with th muscular system to allow movement at joints

The shape and type of bone at a join determine the amount of movement.

The skeleton is the central structure of the body and is made up of bones, joints and cartilage.

The skeleton provides the framework for muscles and gives the body its defined human shape.

There are 4 classifications (types) of bone:

Long Bones

• Help translate the force generated by skeletal muscle into mechanical leverage;

> e.g. femur / the arm contains three long bones : the humerus, radius and ulna

Long bones are the “Levers” of the body, this is where a lot of the movement happens. Enable gross movement. The long bones are also where the blood cells are made within the body. Long…