Skeletal System

The scapula, commonly known as the shoulder blade, is located on the upper back, just above the ribs.

The sternum is the flat bone located in the centre of the chest, also known as the breastbone.

The spine is made up of a series of small bones called vertebrae, running down the back.

The fibula is the thinner bone located on the outer side of the lower leg, beside the tibia.

The radius is the bone located on the thumb side of the forearm.

The ribs are the bones that protect the chest.

The humerus is the bone of the upper arm.

The ulna is the bone located on the inner side of the forearm.

The patella is commonly known as the kneecap.

The tibia is the larger bone of the lower leg.

The talus bone forms the ankle joint with the tibia and fibula.

The bones associated with the shoulder girdle are the scapula and the clavicle.

The bones that form the elbow joint are the humerus, radius, and ulna.

The hip joint is formed by the pelvis and the femur.

The knee joint is formed by the femur, tibia, and patella.

The bones involved in forming the ankle joint are the tibia, fibula, and talus.

• The skeleton provides a framework that gives the body its shape and structure.
• It serves as attachment points for muscles, allowing for leverage and movement.

In a sprint, the femur, tibia, and ankle bones work together to generate powerful leg movements, propelling the athlete forward.

• The skeleton provides the framework that defines body proportions and posture.
• This framework influences how the body moves and appears during physical activity.

In gymnastics, a straight back and aligned limbs are crucial for executing moves with precision and balance, showing the importance of skeletal shape.

• The skeleton acts as a supportive framework for the body.
• It helps maintain posture and enables the body to withstand external forces during physical activity.

In weightlifting, a strong and stable skeletal structure is crucial for supporting the load, allowing the lifter to lift heavy weights safely.

• The skeleton forms a protective shield around vital organs.
• This reduces the risk of injury to internal organs during physical activity.

In contact sports like rugby, the ribcage protects the heart and lungs from potential impact, minimising the risk of serious injury.

• The skeleton serves as a storage site for essential minerals, including calcium.
• These minerals can be used during physical activity to support muscle function and other bodily processes.

• The marrow within bones is responsible for producing red blood cells.
• These cells transport oxygen to muscles and tissues during physical activity.

The three types and shapes of bones are long bones, short bones, and flat bones.

Short bones provide stability and support, allowing for controlled movements.

Long bones help bring about movement and support the weight of the body.

Flat bones provide protection and serve as sites for muscle attachment.

A joint is the point where two or more bones meet and where movement takes place.

• Joints are supported by ligaments which hold bones together.
• Muscles contract, pulling on tendons that are attached to bones, causing movement at the joint.

A hinge joint like the elbow allows movement in one plane (flexion and extension), while a ball-and-socket joint like the hip allows for a wider range of movement (flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, rotation).