Core 2-The Body in

Motion
The skeletal System

Skeletal System Introduction

The adult human skeleton has 206 bones. They range in

shape and size, a feature that allows them to perform

specialised functions.
Functions of bones:
1. It supports the organs and tissues of the body. Without this
support they would collapse under their own weight.

2. It provides protection for internal organs. For example, the

cranium protects the brain; the thorax protects the heart and
lungs

3. It provides a base for the attachment of muscles and so allows

movement with the bones acting as levers.

4. The bones are a source of supply of blood cells and a store

for minerals required for the body to function. For example, red
and white blood cells are produced in the bone marrow, which is
found in the middle of bones.

Skeletal System
An anatomical reference system called

directional terms is used to identify the

location of bones.
The starting point assumes that the body is in
the Anatomical position; that is, a reference
position where the subject is standing erect,
facing front on and with palms facing forward.
(Diagram next slide)
This enables us to locate a bone in reference
to how it is relative to another part of the
body.

Anatomical Position

Transverse
Plane

Sagittal Plane

Frontal (Coronal)
Plane

Directional Terms Defined

Superior - towards the head; for example, the chest is superior

to the hips
Inferior - towards the feet; for example, the foot is inferior to
the leg
Anterior - towards the front; for example, the breast is on the
anterior chest wall
Posterior - towards the back; for example, the backbone is
posterior to the heart
Medial - towards the midline of the body; for example, the big
toe is on the medial side of the foot
Lateral - towards the side of the body; for example, the little
toe is on the lateral side of the foot
Proximal - towards the bodys mass; for example, the shoulder
is proximal to the elbow
Distal - away from the bodys mass; for example, the elbow is
distal to the shoulder.

Skeletal System Introduction

The skeleton is divided into two (2) major

portions: The .skeleton and the

.. skeleton.
1. Axial skeleton-consists of the bones of the
.., the . and the ...

Skeletal System Introduction

2. Appendicular skeleton-consists of the bones of
the upper and lower limbs and the bony girdles
that support them on the body trunk.
Pectoral girdle

Types of Bone
There are five (5) types of bone-long, short, flat, irregular

and sesamoid.
1. Long Bones - are longer than they are wide, the function as
levers.
Examples: humerus, femur, radius, tibia, ulna and phalanges.
2. Short Bones - have a short axis and are found in small
spaces such as the wrist. They serve to transfer forces.
Examples: bones in the wrist (carpals) and ankle bones
(tarsals)
3. Flat Bones - have a broad surface and serve as places of
attachment for muscles and to protect vital organs.
Examples: scapula, cranial bones, sternum and ribs

Types of Bone
4. Irregular Bones - do not fall into any category due to their
non-uniform shape. Primarily consist of cancellous bone, with
a thin outer layer of compact bone.
Example: vertebrae
5. Sesamoid Bones - usually short and irregular bones,
imbedded in a tendon where it passes over a joint which
serves to protect the tendon.
Examples: the patella

Overview of skeletal bones

Overview of skeletal bones

Vertebral Column

Joint Types (page 133-Outcomes)

Joint Classification

Fibrous

Cartilaginous

Synovial

Definition

Movement actions
allowed

Examples

Types of synovial joints

Type of synovial
joint
Hinge joint
(Uniaxial)

Ball and socket joint

(Multiaxial)

Condyloid/ellipsoidal
joint
(Biaxial)

Definition

Examples

Types of synovial joints

Type of synovial
joint
Pivot Joint
(Uniaxial)
Plane/gliding Joint
(Non-Axial)

Saddle Joint
(Biaxial)

Definition

Examples

Function and structure of the knee joint

Feature of synovial joints

Write notes on features from page 133134 outcomes textbook. (Ligaments,
tendons, synovial fluid and hyaline
cartilage).