Applied anatomy and physiology Flashcards
Structure of the skeletal system
The skeletal system allows movement at a joint.
The shape and type of the bones determine the amount of movement - short bones enable finer controlled movements, long bones enable gross movement.
The flat bones protect vital organs.
The different joint types allow different types of movement.
The skeleton provides a point of attachment for muscles - when muscles contract they pull the bone.
Function of the skeletal system
Support - the bones are solid and rigid. They keep us upright and hold the rest of the body - the muscles and organs - in place.
Protection - certain parts of the skeleton enclose and protect the body’s organs from external forces, e.g. the brain is inside the cranium, the ribs protect the heart and lungs.
Movement - the skeleton helps the body move by providing anchor points for the muscles to pull against. The long bones in the arms and legs work as levers to allow certain movements.
Structural shape and points for attachment - the skeleton gives us our general shape such as height and build. Tall people have long leg bones and larger vertebrae. People with a heavy build have larger clavicles and scapula as well as bigger pelvises. The skeleton also provides anchorage points for the muscles to attach, so when they contract we move.
Mineral storage - bone stores several minerals, including calcium and phosphorus, which can be released into the blood when needed.
Blood cell production - the inner marrow of the long bones and ribs produces red and white blood cells. Red blood cells are important in activities because they carry oxygen to the working muscles. White blood cells are important to fight off infections in order to keep healthy.
Location of bones
Cranium
Vertebrae
Scapula
Humerus
Ribs
Sternum
Radius
Ulna
Pelvis
Femur
Tibia
Fibula
Patella
Talus
Carpals
Tarsals
Types of bones
Long bones are strong and are used by muscles to assist gross movements. E.g. humerus, ulna, radius, tibia, fibula, femur.
Short bones enable fine controlled movement. E.g. patella
Flat bones protect vital organs and their broad surface allows for muscle attachment. E.g. pelvis, cranium, ribs, sternum, scapula
Latissimus dorsi
Positioned in the back and is
connected to the humerus bone in the arm.
It helps to move the shoulder and the upper arm.
Deltoid
Positioned over the top of the shoulder and helps to raise the arm.
Rotator cuffs
Group of muscles that connect to the upper arm at the shoulder
They help to rotate and extend the shoulder.
Pectorals
Group of muscles in the front of the chest that connect to the shoulder.
Assist with the movement of the shoulder and the arm bones.
Biceps
Large muscle in the front of the upper arm.
Connects to the lower arm and helps to raise the lower arm causing flexion at the elbow.
Triceps
Large muscle in the back of the
upper arm.
Connects to the lower arm and helps to straighten the arm causing extension at the elbow.
Abdominals
Group of muscles located in the lower front of the body between the ribs and the pelvis bones.
Help to stabilise the core of the body and support the internal organs in that area.
Assist with movements such as twisting at the waist, sitting up and bending to the side.
Hip flexors
Group of muscles that connect around the pelvic bone.
Help to raise/lower and rotate the femur of the upper leg.
Gluteals
The muscles of the buttocks.
Positioned around the outside of the back of the pelvis bones.
Help with the movement of the upper leg and knee joint.
Hamstring group
Group of three muscles in the back of the thigh in the upper leg.
They enable flexion of the leg at the knee.
Quadriceps groups
Group of muscles in the front of the thigh in the upper-leg.
They straighten the leg causing extension at the knee.
It is important for moving the leg forward.
Gastrocnemius
The muscle found in the calf at the back of the lower leg.
It flexes the knee and foot.
Tibialis anterior
Muscle found in the shin at the front of the lower leg.
Helps to draw the foot up at the ankle.
