Functions of the Skeleton

Question 1

What is a long bone? e.g.?

Answer 1

Found in limbs, provide mobility and red blood cell production
Femur, humerus, tibia, radius, ulna

Question 2

What is a short bone? e.g?

Answer 2

Small, light and strong (cube shaped). Provide stability and weight bearing.
Carpals, tarsals

Question 3

What is a flat bone? e.g.?

Answer 3

Thin, flattened, slightly curved. Attachment for muscles and protection.
Sternum, ribs, cranium, pelvis, scapula

Question 4

What is an irregular bone? e.g.?

Answer 4

Have a complex shape. Protect nervous tissue.
Vertebrae

Question 5

What is a sesamoid bone? e.g.?

Answer 5

Have a smooth surface. Protection and reduces friction across a joint.
Patella, pisiform (wrist)

Question 6

In what order do the regions of the vertebrae go?

Answer 6

1. Cervical
2. Thoracic
3. Lumbar
4. Sacrum
5. Coccyx

Question 7

How many vertebrae are in the cervical vertebrae?

Answer 7

7

Question 8

How many vertebrae are in the thoracic vertebrae?

Answer 8

12

Question 9

How many vertebrae are in the lumbar vertebrae?

Answer 9

5

Question 10

How many vertebrae are in the sacrum?

Answer 10

5

Question 11

How many vertebrae are in the coccyx?

Answer 11

4

Question 12

What is kyphosis?

Answer 12

Excessive outward curvature of the thoracic region of the spine.
Otherwise known as a ‘hunchback’.
Causes: Poor posture and deformity in the vertebrae

Question 13

What is scoliosis?

Answer 13

Abnormal curvature either left or right of the thoracic region of the spine.
S or C shaped spine.
Mainly found in children and is genetic.

Question 14

What is a neutral spine?

Answer 14

Refers to good posture with the correct position of the three natural curves.

Question 15

What are the functions of the skeleton?

Answer 15

Support, Protection, Attachment, Source of blood cell production, Storage of minerals, Leverage, Weight-bearing, Reducing friction across joints

Question 16

Explain the support function of the skeleton?

Answer 16

The skeleton gives the body its shape and provide the supporting framework for soft tissues

Question 17

Explain the protection function of the skeleton? e.g.?

Answer 17

Bones surround and protect vital tissues and organs.
Cranium protects brain (barrier absorbs impact, which prevents against concussion or brain damage)
Ribs + sternum protect the heart and lungs

Question 18

Explain the attachment function of the skeleton?

Answer 18

Muscles attach to bones via tendons, enabling movement of the body. The muscle pulls on the bones to create leverage and movement occurring at a joint (where two bones meet)

Question 19

Explain the blood cell production function of the skeleton?

Answer 19

Blood vessels supply the centre of your bones where bone marrow is stored.
Red and white blood cells are produced here.
RBC - Responsible for oxygen delivery
WBC - Fight infection and engulf pathogens, killing off disease.

Question 20

Explain the mineral storage function of the skeleton?

Answer 20

Calcium and phosphorus stored in bones.
Calcium - Responsible for bone growth
Phosphorus - maintenance of bone health

Question 21

Explain the leverage function of the skeleton?

Answer 21

Bones provide a lever system for movement

Question 22

Explain the weight bearing function of the skeleton?

Answer 22

Strong bones are able to support your full body weight so you remain upright.

Question 23

Explain the reducing friction function of the skeleton?

Answer 23

Synovial joints secrete fluids that prevent friction and injury.