skeletal system

• the functions of the skeleton are protection, muscle attachment, joints for movement, blood cell production and mineral storage
• protection- bones act as rigid shells or a cage to prtect the vital organs and reduce chance of injury
• protection- the cranium protects the brain if you fall during a bad tackle
• muscle attachment- bones provide a surface for muscles to attach to via tendons and when the muscle contracts movement occurs
• muscle attachment- the biceps attach to the radius and ulna
• muscle attachment- the ability to move during sport is essential and it is created by muscles
• joints for movement- a joint is where two bones meet and work with bones and muscles to create a lever allowing movement
• joints for movement- movements are crucial in physical activity
• blood cell production- red and white blood cells, platelets and plasma are produces in the bone marrow of some bones
• blood cell production- red blood cells cary oxygen to muscles during aerobic activities
• blood cell production- white blood cells fight infections to keep you healthy
• blood cell production- platelets clot blood over cuts that you can get during sport
• mineral storage- calcium and phosphorus are stored in bones and help with strong bones and teeth to prevent osteoporosis
• calcium and phosphorus are found in milk cheese and yogurts
• mineral storage- calcium is used in muscle contractions to allow movement
• mineral storage- phosphorus helps reduce muscle pain after exercise
• mineral storage- calcium and phosphorus help with general health and strong bones reducing the risk of breaking them
• the spine: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum, coccyx
• the cervical: provides support for the weight of your head allowing head movemenets and surrounds your spinal cord protecting it
• thoracic: stabilises your rib cage helping protect your heart and lungs and stabilises your spine
• lumbar: provides stability for back and spinal column by supporting most of the bodies weight and it is a point of attachment for muscles and ligaments
• sacrum: stabilises the pelvis
• coccyx: helps to support your weight whilst you sit down
• most bones in the skeleton are formed from cartilage
• bones are hardened by calcium and other minerals
• the process of development from cartilage to bone is ossification
• bones are classified as long, short, flat or irregular
• long: phalanges, femur, humerus, ulna, clavicle, fibula, tibia, radius, metacarpals, metatarsals
• short: carpals, tarsals
• flat: scapula, sternum, cranium, ribs, pelvis
• irregular: patella, sacrum, coccyx, thoracic, lumbar and cervical
• long bones generate movement
• short bones are for shock absorption
• flat bones are for protection
• irregular bones are mostly for protection and attachment but have varying uses
• long bones are longer than they are wide and act as a lever
• short bones have a box shape to bear weight
• flat bones have a large surface area for muscle attachment
• irregular bones have an odd shape and varying functions
• a joint is where two or more bones meet and allow movement and rotation around an axis