GCSE PE Unit 1

• Skeleton


  The frame that supports the body and enables movement
• Four main functions of the skeleton

  • Shape and support
  • Movement
  • Protection
  • Blood production
• Shape and support


  • Skeleton forms the frame which muscles can attach to and organs can sit on
  • Bones support the weight of the body above them, enabling us to stand upright
• Movement


  • Muscles are attached to the skeleton by tendons
  • When muscles contract, they pull on the bones creating movement at the joints
  • Bones and joints act as levers
• Protection


  • Vital organs are protected by the skeleton, e.g. brain by cranium, heart and lungs by ribs and sternum
• Blood production


  • Red bone marrow in large bones produces red blood cells, e.g. pelvis and femur
• Types of bones


  • Long bones
  • Short bones
  • Flat bones
  • Irregular bones
• Long bones


  Actors that enable large range of movement, usually found in limbs, e.g. femur, tibia, humerus
• Short bones


  Small bones that enable movement and provide support, but can't produce large range of movement, e.g. carpals, tarsals
• Flat bones


  Provide protection for vital organs, or large surface area for muscle attachments, e.g. cranium, ribs, scapula
• Irregular bones


  Provide protection and support, shaped for specific functions, e.g. vertebrae
• Vertebrae are shaped to protect the spinal cord and allow small range of movement in many directions