skeleton

the hard structure (bones and cartilages) that provides a frame for the body of an animal

support

structure that holds up or provides a foundation

protect

shield from danger, injury, destruction, or damage

muscles

animal tissue consisting predominantly of contractile cells

bones

function to move, support, and protect the various organs of the body, produce red and white blood cells and store minerals

cartilage

a stiff yet flexible connective tissue found in many areas in the bodies of humans and other animals. It is not as hard and rigid as bone but is stiffer and less flexible than muscle.

cells

the basic unit of all living organisms

tissue

a group of biological cells that perform a similar function

marrow

the interior of long bones

calcium

major material used in mineralization of bones and shells

pellet

a round ball of undigested matter that some bird species regurgitate

movable joints

A joint in which the opposing bony surfaces are covered with a layer of cartilage and in which some degree of free movement is possible

immovable joints

joint in which the ends of the bones forming the joint are dovetailed together and connected by tough fibrous tissue.

gliding joints

joint in which the joint surfaces are flat and allow only a gliding motion

ball and socket joints

the ball-shaped surface of one rounded bone fits into the cup-like depression of a muscle. It enables the bone to move in a 360° angle.

hinge joints

A joint, such as the elbow, in which a convex part of one bone fits into a concave part of another, allowing motion in only one plane.

flexibility

the ability to bend easily or be easily changed

backbone

the vertebrate spine or spinal column

vertebrae

The individual bones of the spinal column which are stacked on top of each other

spinal column

The series of articulated vertebrae, separated by disks and held together by muscles and tendons, encasing the spinal cord and forming the supporting axis of the body

opposable

can be placed opposite something else (ex. the thumb)

strength

The power to resist strain or stress

articulated

United by, or provided with, articulations; jointed (ex. skeleton)

tendon

A band of tough, inelastic fibrous tissue that connects a muscle with its bony attachment

cardiac muscles

The specialized striated muscle tissue of the heart; the myocardium

skeletal muscles

moves the skeleton and is responsible for all our voluntary movements

smooth muscles

Muscle tissue that contracts without conscious control, such as the stomach, intestine, bladder, and blood vessels, excluding the heart.

heart

The chambered muscular organ in vertebrates that pumps blood received from the veins into the arteries

contract

To reduce in size by drawing together; shrink

relax

To become less restrained or tense

vein

Any of the membranous tubes that form a branching system and carry blood to the heart.

artery

Any of the muscular elastic tubes that form a branching system and that carry blood away from the heart to the cells, tissues, and organs of the body

involuntary muscle

Muscle not under the control of the will; usually consists of smooth muscle tissue is usually associated with skin.

voluntary muscle

Muscle under conscious control

stimulus

An agent, action, or condition that elicits or accelerates a physiological or psychological activity or response.

response

A reaction, as that of an organism or a mechanism, to a specific stimulus.