The Skeletal System The skeletal system is made up of all the bones of the body. The skeletal system has five functions during physical activity that you need to know. Movement: along with muscles, they help us move our body. Shape: the general nature of our bones gives us our shape – Mr Yates has some very long bones making him tall. Dilawar has some very small bones, making him a midget. Support: they provide a frame for our muscles to attach to. Protection: bones help to protect the vital organs from damage. Production of Blood Cells: bones are where the body produces red and white blood cells. (GCSE PE: Unit 1.2.2)

The Skeletal System In order to understand these functions you need to know the different bone types and know some specific bones. There are four different types of bones in the human body: Long bones – these are lengthy bones mostly found in our limbs (arms and legs). They help provide movement. Short bones – these are small bones that produce little movement and main function is to provide support (examples include the wrist and foot bones) Irregular bones – these are weirdly shaped bones that do not fit into any other category. Flat (plate) bones – these are strong, flat plates of bone which often provide a protective layer for vital organs or are where muscles attach. (GCSE PE: Unit 1.2.2)

Head bones 1. CRANIUM TYPE: Flat The cranium is more commonly known as the skull. Its main function is to protect the brain from any damage. (GCSE PE: Unit 1.2.2)

Upper Body bones 1. RIBS TYPE: Long The ribs form a cage and protect a number of body organs including the lungs. 2. STERNUM TYPE: Flat The sternum is flat bone that sits on the front of the ribs in the middle of your chest. It adds extra protection for your heart muscle. (GCSE PE: Unit 1.2.2)

Arm bones 1. HUMERUS TYPE: Long The humerus is the only bone in the upper arm. Its main function is to help with movement of the entire arm limb but it also provides support for the biceps and triceps muscles. 2. ULNA & RADIUS TYPE: Long The ulna and radius attach to the wrist and elbow, forming our lower arm. Their main function is to help with movement of the lower arm. (GCSE PE: Unit 1.2.2)

Hip bones 1. PELVIS TYPE: Flat The pelvis is also known as the hip bone. It provides protection for reproductive organs but also provide support for muscles such as the gluteus maximus. (GCSE PE: Unit 1.2.2)

Leg bones 1. FEMUR TYPE: Long The femur is the large bone in the upper leg. Its main function is to help with movement of the legs but it also provides support for muscles such as the quadriceps and hamstrings. 2. TIBIA & FIBULA TYPE: Long The tibia (slightly bigger) and fibula make up the lower leg. Their main function is to help with movement of the lower leg and feet but they also provides support for the gastrocnemius muscle. 3. PATELLA TYPE: Irregular The patella is also known as the knee cap. It provides protection for the knee joint from injury. (GCSE PE: Unit 1.2.2)

Back bones 1. VERTEBRAE TYPE: Irregular The vertebrae are small, irregular bones that make up the spinal column. They help provide movement in the back, whilst also shaping the body. (GCSE PE: Unit 1.2.2)