Structure of the skeletal system

The main bones of the skeleton and their location are shown here:
• The main functions of the skeletal system
• The skeleton has six main functions:
• Movement – the skeleton allows movement of the body as a whole and its individual parts. The
bones act as levers and also form joints that allow muscles to pull on them and produce joint
movements.
• Support – the skeleton keeps the body upright and provides a framework for muscle and tissue
attachment.
• Protection – the bones of the skeleton protect the internal organs and reduce the risk of injury on
impact. For example, the cranium protects the brain, the ribs offer protection to the heart and
lungs, the vertebrae protect the spinal cord and the pelvis offers protection to the sensitive
reproductive organs.

• Production of blood cells – certain bones in the skeleton contain red bone marrow and the bone
marrow produces red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Examples of bones that contain
marrow are the pelvis, sternum, vertebrae and clavicle.

• Mineral storage – the bones themselves are made of minerals and act as a mineral store for
calcium and phosphorous, which can be given up if the body requires the minerals for other
functions.

• Stuctural shape – the skeleton provides the human shape and determines the height of a person.
• Synovial joints
• A joint is a place where two or more bones meet and is also called an articulation.
• The role of joints and connective tissue
• Connective tissues consist of ligaments, cartilage and tendons.
• A joint is held together by ligaments which give the joints their stability.
• Cartilage is found at the ends of bones and where joints meet.
• Tendons attach muscles to the skeleton.
• Synovial joints
• Synovial joints (freely movable joints) allow us the free movement to perform skills and techniques during physical
activity.
• Synovial joints have synovial fluid in the joint cavity that lubricates or 'oils' the joint so it moves smoothly. Synovial fluid
is made by the synovial membrane.
• In synovial joints, the ends of the bones are covered with cartilage (called articular cartilage) which cushions the joint
and prevents friction and wear and tear between the bone ends. Cartilage is a soft, spongy connective tissue.
The bursae are fluid sacs which help to prevent friction in the joint. The joint capsule prevents wear and tear on the
bones.
• The bones in a synovial joint are connected by ligaments, which:
• are a type of connective tissue and are tough, fibrous and slightly elastic
• connect bone to bone and help keep the joint together
• stabilise the joints during movement and prevent dislocation by restricting actions outside the normal joint range
• can absorb shock because of their elasticity, which protects the joint
• help maintain correct posture and movement
• The movement at a synovial joint is caused by the muscles attached across the joint. Muscles are attached to bone
by tendons. Tendons are very strong, inelastic connective tissues that allow a muscle to pull on a bone to move it.
• Types of synovial joints
• Two synovial joint types are responsible for a huge range of
sporting techniques involving the arms and the legs.
• Hinge - these can be found in the elbow, knee and ankle. Hinge
joints are like the hinges on a door, and allow you to move the
elbow and knee in only one direction. They allow flexion and
extension of a joint. At the ankle different terms are used.
When the toes are pointed downwards, it is plantar flexion
and when the toes are pointed upwards it is dorsiflexion.
• Ball and socket - these types of joint can be found at the
shoulder and hip and allow movement in almost every
direction. A ball and socket joint is made up of a round end of
one bone that fits into a small cup-like area of another bone.
 Type of joint Body location Types of movement
Flexion/extension,
rotation, abduction,
Ball and socket Hip, shoulder
adduction,
circumduction
Hinge Knee, elbow Flexion/extension
• he muscular system works in conjunction with the skeleton to produce
movement of the limbs and body.
• Ligaments and tendons are two main types of connective tissues that
help the muscular-skeletal system produce movements.
• Ligaments:
• attach bone to bone
• act to give stability to joints
• are tough, white and flexible
• Tendons:
• attach muscle to bone
• carry the force from muscle contraction to the bone
• are tough, greyish and flexible
• The muscles contract to pull on the bones to produce movements. Joints
are able to move in a variety of directions to allow us to perform a range
of sporting movements.
• An analysis of a netball shot shows how the muscular-skeletal system
works together to produce this throw.