Form 5: Chapter 2 – Locomotion and Support 2.1 Support and Locomotion in Humans and Animals This document summarizes how fish are able to swim and move efficiently in water. It explains that a fish's body is streamlined and covered in overlapping scales to reduce resistance in water. The fish's vertebral column moves from side to side as myotomes, or W-shaped muscle blocks, contract and relax on either side of the body in an alternating wave. This sweeping motion pushes water backwards and propels the fish forward. Fins help counter unwanted pitching, yawing, and rolling movements and provide thrust and directional control. A swim bladder containing gas helps the fish control its buoyancy to