Human Skeletal System(Worksheet, Parts, and Function)

The Knee Joint

Cartilage

Cartilage is a firm, elastic connective tissue that gives flexibility to certain body parts. In the skeletal system, it is present in the joints providing flexibility to the bones. It is a structural component of the rib cage, the ear, the nose, the bronchial tubes and many others.

Learn Functions of the Skeletal System | Skeletal System Worksheet

The main functions of the skeletal system are –

1. Support: It gives a framework and support to our body.
2. Protection: It protects the delicate internal organs such as the brain, heart, and lungs.
3. Movement: It aids the movement of different body parts and the body as a whole.
4. Productions of blood cells: Blood cells like RBC and WBC are produced in the bone marrow present in some bones that help in transporting oxygen and fighting infections.
5. Storage of minerals: Bones are a reservoir for minerals and stores 99% of the body’s calcium and other minerals like phosphorus.

Parts of Human Skeletal System

 The human skeleton is traditionally divided into two major parts:

• The Axial Skeleton
• The Appendicular Skeleton

While the axial skeleton makes up the inner framework or trunk of the body, the appedicular skeleton includes the outer limbs and the bones that connect the limbs to the center or trunk of the body.

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Axial Skeleton

The Axial skeleton includes the skull, middle ears, neck bone, vertebral column, chest bone, and ribs.

The bones are distributed as follows:

FUNCTIONS OF AXIAL SKELETON:

1. Skull:

The skull is a bony structure that supports the structure of the face and provides a protective cavity for the brain. The skull is composed of two parts which are the cranium that surrounds the brain and the mandible that forms the jawbone.

2. Middle ear ossicles:

They are some of the smallest bones in our body and they aid in hearing.

3. Hyoid bone in the neck:

This bone aids in tongue movement and swallowing.

4. Vertebral column:

The vertebral column is also known as the spinal column. It is the central axis of the skeleton in all vertebrates. The vertebral column provides protection to the spinal cord, nerve roots, and other organs allow muscle attachments and give structural support and balance to our body.

5. Chest bone:

Also known as the breastbone or sternum, it is shaped like a necktie and it closes the rib cage in front. It, therefore, protects the internal organs like the heart and lungs beneath it.

6. Rib cage:

The rib cage surrounds the thoracic cavity that gives protection to the chest cavity including internal organs like lungs, heart and other respiratory organs. It also supports the shoulder girdle forming a core part of the human skeleton. 

Appendicular Skeleton

The appendicular skeleton is the portion of the skeleton in vertebrates that consist of the bones that support the appendages. The appendicular skeleton includes the skeletal elements within the limbs, as well as the ones that support the shoulder and the pelvic girdle. There are 126 bones in the appendicular skeleton.

Parts of Appendicular Skeleton:

The six major parts of the appendicular skeleton are as follows:

Functions of Appendicular Skeleton:

 They constitute the movable pieces, the arms and the legs, that allow the body to move. Without the appendicular skeleton, the axial skeleton – the head, spinal columns and ribs- will not be able to move. The appendicular skeleton helps us in balancing our body,  aids in locomotion, helps in moving our wrist, in gripping things with our hands, writing, eating and to do many more such activities.

Bone Health:

Bone health depends on our diet and physical exercise. Our diet should be balanced and include adequate calcium and vitamin D. They include milk, cheese, yogurt, sea food, leafy greens, legumes, almonds, dried figs, oranges etc. As a growing child, it is mandatory to follow a regimen as your bones are changing continuously and new bones are being made.

Check Point

      Fill in the blanks:

1. The place where two bones meet is called a _______.
2. The number of bones present in our skull is ____.
3. The human skeleton is divided into two major parts that are Axial skeleton and __________________ skeleton.
4. The rib cage protects soft internal organs like ___________ and ______________.
5. 99% of the body’s ___________ is held in our bones and teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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