2.

1 SUPPORT AND LOCOMOTION IN HUMANS AND ANIMALS

2.1.1 Introduction

1. Locomotion = The ability of an organism to move in a particular direction in its

environment.

1. Support and humans and animals is provided by a framework called a skeleton.

1. There are 3 types of skeleton:

(a)  Hydrostatic skeleton
-       The support is derived from the body fluid contained within the body
cavity
-       The fluid maintains the body shape and provide support for internal
organs
-       Examples: earthworms, leeches and caterpillars

(b)  Exoskeleton
-       Found in the bodies of arthropods, the shell of molluscs and the
bony plates of tortoise.
-       The exoskeleton supports important body organs, protects the
internal structure from damage and allows the animals to move
from place to place.
-       Examples: insects, crabs, snails

(c)  Endoskeleton
-       Found in the bodies of all vertebrates
-       The endoskeleton consists of hard skeleton of bones found inside
the body.
-       The endoskeleton supports the body and also protects the organs
-       Examples: human, fish, amphibians and birds

1. The functions of skeleton:

(a)  Protection
-       The skeleton protects the organs
-       Example: The skull protects the brain, the vertebral column protects
the spinal cord and the rib cage protects the heart and lungs

(b)  Support
-       The skeleton acts as a framework to support soft body parts, to
maintain the upright position and to keep the body stable.
(c)  Movement
-       Bones interact with the skeletal muscle to enable the movement of
the body.

(d)  Blood cell formation

-       Most of the blood cells are formed in the bone marrow of the long
bones

(e)  Mineral storage
-       Bones act as a reservoir for calcium and phosphorus.

2.1.2 The human skeletal system

1. The skeletal system can be divided into the axial skeleton and the appendicular
skeleton.

1. The axial skeleton:

-       Made up of the bones that form the vertical axis of the body.
-       It supports and protects the organs of head, neck and trunk.
-       Includes: the skull, vertebral column and rib cage

1. The appendicular skeleton:

-       Made up of the bones that are attached to the axial skeleton
-       Includes: bones of the limbs (forelimb and hindlimb), the pectoral
girdle and the pelvic girdl