1.1 Skeletal System

Question 1

What type of bones are carpals and tarsals ?

Answer 1

Short bones

Question 2

What are phalanges ?

Answer 2

Long bones found in fingers and toes

Question 3

What are tarsals ?

Answer 3

Small bones found in the ankle

Question 4

What are metacarpals ?

Answer 4

Long bones found in the hands

Question 5

What are metatarsals ?

Answer 5

Long bones found in the feet

Question 6

What are carpals ?

Answer 6

Small bones found in the wrist

Question 7

Give two examples of minerals stored in bones

Answer 7

Calcium & Phosphorus

Question 8

List the six functions of the skeletal system

Answer 8

Protection, production of blood cells, movement, posture, mineral storage & support

Question 9

Describe support in relation to the skeletal system and give an example

Answer 9

The bones in the skeletal system keep us upright and hold the muscles and organs in place
Example - the femur in the leg supports an athlete’s body weight when running

Question 10

Describe posture in relation to the skeletal system and give an example

Answer 10

The skeleton gives us our shape, height and build, the skeleton also provides ‘anchor’ points for the muscles to attach to
Example - taller people have longer bones, the human skeleton has a thumb, which allows us to grip a tennis racquet or javelin

Question 11

Describe protection in relation to the skeletal system and give an example

Answer 11

Parts of the skeleton provide protection for the vital organs. Flat bones such as the cranium, sternum and pelvis provide the best protection due to their large surface area.
Example - this is useful in contact sports such as football and rugby as they can prevent injuries to the brain and the heart e.g. the cranium can prevent a concussion on the brain

Question 12

Describe movement in relation to the skeletal system and give an example

Answer 12

The skeleton’s joints allow the body to move. Muscles attach to the bones at places where they can pull a bone in a given direction - this is useful in all sporting actions.
Example - when a boxer jabs (punches) someone, the triceps contracts to pull the radius and ulna away from the humerus

Question 13

Describe mineral storage in relation to the skeletal system

Answer 13

The bones can store minerals such as calcium and phosphorus. These minerals are needed for movement and also make bones stronger

Question 14

Describe production of blood cells in relation to the skeletal system

Answer 14

Bone marrow that is found in the long bones e.g. the femur produces :
- Red blood cells = carry oxygen to the working muscles
- White blood cells = fight against infection
- Platelets = help wounds to heal

Question 15

What is a joint ?

Answer 15

A point where 2 or more bones meet, these bones connect to let us move

Question 16

What are the 3 types of joints in the body ?

Answer 16

• Immovable/fixed joints
• Slightly moveable joints
• Synovial joints (moveable) joints

Question 17

Describe what immovable joints are and give an example

Answer 17

Immovable joints are found in the cranium and
provide protection.

Question 18

Describe what slightly moveable joints are and give an example

Answer 18

Slightly moveable joints are found in the vertebrae , these joints let us make small movements and also provide some protection

Question 19

Describe what synovial joints are and give an example

Answer 19

Synovial joints are the most common type of joint in the body, these joints let the body move freely. Found in the knee, elbow & shoulder etc.