Skeletal System
- The skeleton is the bony framework of the body which works together to provide support and protection for the body.
- The skeleton is also one of the parts of the body which makes movement of the body possible and easy.
The Skeletal System (Photo Credit: Britannica.com)
Parts of the Body Responsible for Movement
- Movement in the human body is made possible by the possession of special structures such as bones, joints, and muscles.
- Bones
- The bones is the hard part of the human body.
- They are held together by ligaments.
- Joints
- The joints are the meeting points of bones.
- Types of Joints:
- Ball and Socket Joints – These are joints that allow free rotation of the bones. E.g. The hip joint.
- Pivot Joint – It allows the rotation of the head on the neck. It also permits nodding and limited bending movement. It is found only in the neck.
- Hinge Joint – This allows movement in one direction only. E.g Elbow joint, knee joint.
- Gliding Joint – This allows the sliding, twisting or turning of one bone over another. E.g. Wrist joint.
- Muscles
- The muscles are the fleshy part of the human body.
- They are made up of thread-like materials which are arranged in bundles.
- Muscles have the ability to contract and relax when required and this brings about movement.
- Muscles attached to bones are called skeletal muscles.
- The skeletal muscles are responsible for the movement of the body.
- Skeletal muscles are usually arranged in pairs such that when one contracts the other relaxes.
- Bones