Integrated Science Handout No.
7 Grade 10
Topic: The Skeletal System
Objectives to be established by the end of this handout:
-stating the importance of the skeleton.
-listing the types of bones found in the body.
-listing the functions of the structure in the skeletal system.
-explaining how joints work.
Why is the skeleton important?
The skeleton supports the body and protects the internal organs. It also supports the muscles to
bring about movement. The skeleton is made up of strong connective tissue called bone.
What are the types of bones found in the body?
There are four types of bone found in the body:
1.) Long bones- are found in the arms and legs e.g. femur and humerus. These bones are strong
and, therefore, they support the weight of the body, and facilitate major movements.
2.) Short bones- are found in the feet and hands e.g. carpals and tarsals. They function as shock
absorbers and they provide stability and some movement.
3.) Flat bones- are found in the ribs, cranium and pelvis. They play a major role in the protection
of vital organs, as well as providing a large surface area to which muscles can attach.
4.) Irregular bones- are found in the vertebral column and face. They provide shape and
protection e.g. the vertebral column keeps us upright and protects the spinal cord.
Diagram showing the main bones of the skeleton
Function of the structure in the skeletal system.
The skeleton serves six main functions:
1.) Support- holds the body upright, prevents organs from crushing one another, keeps the body
shape.
2.) Protection- protects delicate organs from injury.
3.) Movement and locomotion- many bones act as levers, which when combined with muscle, it
helps us to lift heavy objects or move. Other movements include walking, running, chewing,
sitting, standing etc.
4.) Muscle attachment- muscles are attached to the bones by a tough inflexible connective tissue
called tendon. The bones provide stability, while the muscles help the bones to move.
5.) Production of red and white blood cells- the bone marrow in the long bones of legs and short
bones in the ribcage regularly produce new red and white blood cells. Typical production might
average 220 billion red cells per day, 10 billion white cells per day, 400 billion platelets per day.
The blood cells leave the bone marrow through a dense network of capillaries.
6.)- Storage of calcium and phosphorus salts- these salts give the bones their strength. When we
eat minerals in our diet, the bones store them.
How do joints work?
A joint is anywhere that two bones meet. They allow our body to move in many ways and are
classified based on these movements. However, some joints are immovable and are called
fibrous joints or fixed joints. Joints which can partially move are called cartilaginous joints.
Some joints allow a wider range of motion and are called synovial joints.
The bones in the synovial joints are tipped with cartilage and the space between them is filled
with synovial fluid. This fluid acts as a lubricant to reduce friction between the bones at the joint.
It is produced in the synovial membrane. The cartilage acts as a cushion to absorb the pressure
exerted on the joint during any strenuous activity.
Diagram showing the four types of joints
Diagram of a ball and socket joint
What are the functions of the skeletal muscles?
Skeletal muscles cover the bone and gives the body its shape. They play an important role in
movement, posture and keeping the joints stable. They also produce a lot of heat when they do
work.
Skeletal muscles work in pairs to do work and are therefore said to be antagonistic pairs.
What effect can exercise have on muscle toning?
Regular exercise makes your muscle strengthen, toned, and increase in size. Toned muscles are
stronger and as a result there are improvements in:
i.) muscle coordination
ii.) posture
iii.) reflexes, as muscles are able to contract and relax more quickly.
These changes help a person to develop greater physical endurance, as well as a reduced risk of
causing injury to the joints.
Reference:
Nelson Thornes. Biology for CSEC 2nd Edition. Karen Morrison, Peta-Gay Kirby, Lucy
Madhosingh. Page 170-177
Macmillan Eductaion 2017. Integrated Science for CSEC Examinations 3rd Edition. Tania
Chung. Page 141-148
