Locomotion

Question 1

What is the axial skeleton?

Answer 1

The skull, vertebrae, ribs and sternum. Main ‘frame’ to which the rest of the skeleton is attached

Question 2

How many pairs of ribs do mammals have? What exceptions are there to this?

Answer 2

12, but 9 in whales and 24 in sloths

Question 3

What are the main sections of the vertebral column?

Answer 3

Cervical - neck
Thoracic - chest
Lumbar - back, partially or completely fused
Sacral - frequently fused
Caudal - tail bones, range from 3-50 (in humans this is the cocyx)

Question 4

What is the appendicular skeleton?

Answer 4

The parts more involved in locomotion - limbs, pelvic girdle, pectoral

Question 5

What are the two main types of muscles?

Answer 5

Somatic - voluntary

Non-somatic - non-voluntary e.g. cardiac

Question 6

What are the four requirements for an ambulatory/cursorial lifestyle (walking and running)

Answer 6

Support and stability
Propulsion
Maneuverability
Endurance

Question 7

What are the three broad types of postures?

Answer 7

Plantigrade - palms and soles flat on the ground
Digitigrade - elevated metatarsals
Unguligrade - elevated phalanges