2. FUNCTION EXPLANATION EXAMPLES
MOVEMENT Where bones meet we
form joints. In
combination with
muscles, we create
movement.
Bones move because of
joints and muscles, e.g.
elbow moved by biceps
PROTECTION Provide protection to
vital organs
Scapula – lungs
Skull – brain
SUPPORT Give support for organs
and tissue so they do
not collapse.
Spine supports the head
and trunk
STORAGE Minerals are stored in
bones
Storage of calcium and
potassium
SUPPLY Red and white blood
cells are produced in
bone marrow
Femur produces red
blood cells
The skeleton performs 5 basic functions:
3. All the bones of the skeleton are divided into
two main groups. These are known as:
1. Axial Skeleton
2. Appendicular Skeleton
AXIAL SKELETON
Consists of those bones forming the central
column of the body.
i.e. spine, skull and ribcage.
APPENDICULAR SKELETON
Those bones that attach to the axial skeleton.
i.e. shoulders, hips and the limbs.
4. Bones are classified
according to their shape.
They fall into four basic
categories:
1. Long bones
2. Short bones
3. Irregular bones
4. Flat bones
Using the table, fill in the
Basic function of each type
of bone and provide some
examples of these.
BONE
CLASSIFICATION
BASIC
FUNCTION
EXAMPLES
Long*
*The length is
greater than
width
Production of
red blood cells
and white
blood cells.
Movement.
Humerus,
femur,
radius and
ulna
Short Small of fine
movements
Carpals
(wrist)
Tarsals
(ankle)
Irregular Movement
support and
muscle
attachment
Face and
vertebrae
Flat Protection and
attachment
Shoulder
blade and
breastbone
5. On the skeleton, Identify
the short, flat, long and
irregular bones you can
identify.
6. What do you notice about the location of most
of the flat bones? Why might this be?
Located around the main organs, e.g. brain,
heart. To give protection.
What do you notice about the location of most
of the long bones? Why might this be?
Located in legs and arms.
These are the regions of most joints and
therefore movement.
7. As a pre-test, try naming as many bones as possible on the skeleton
below. Use common or anatomical terms.
Cranium (skull)
Vertebrae – cervical (neck)
Sternum (breastbone)
Ribs (ribcage)
Vertebrae – lumbar (lower back)
Pelvis (hip) = Ilium,
Ischium & Pubis
Metacarpals (palm)
Phalanges (fingers)
Tibia (shin)
9. Identify and explain the function of the following skeletal structures.
1. THE HEAD
A
B
C
A. Cranium (common name = skull)
Designed to protect the brain. Made up
of a number of inter-connecting bones.
C. Mandible (common name = jaw)
Responsible for talking, chewing etc.
B. Maxilla (common name = face)
Houses the eyes and sinuses. Protects
these features against damage.
10. 2. THE RIBCAGE
Ribs (common name = ribs)
12 pairs in all. Designed to protect the
heart and lungs
Rib
3. THE CHEST
A. Sternum (common name = breast bone)
Protects the heart and lungs. It is the bone
pressed on in C.P.R.
11. 4. THE SPINE
Cervical vertebrae. These are
small delicate bones responsible for
neck movement. There are seven
bones in all.
Thoracic vertebrae. Allow ribs to
attach to the spine hence there
are 12 of them (one for each rib
pair).
Lumbar vertebrae. These are the
largest of the vertebrae and are
responsible for weight-bearing.
There are five in all.
The sacrum (upper) and coccyx
(lower) are a series of fused
(joined) bones that help form the
pelvis.
12. What do the shapes of the bones tell you about their
function?
Those that are larger have a roll in weight or load bearing
e.g. lumbar and thoracic. Smaller ones are important for
movement e.g. cervical.
5. THE SHOULDER
A. Scapula (common name = shoulder blade ).
Protects the lungs. Forms shoulder joint.
B. Clavicle (common name = collarbone).
Holds the shoulder in place. Easily broken.
B
A
13. 6. THE ARM A. Humerus (common name = upper arm).
Prime function is movement.
B. Radius (common name = Forearm).
Prime function is movement, always located
on thumb-side of forearm.
C. Ulna (common name = forearm)
Prime function is movement.
D. Carpels (common name = wrist)
Prime function is movement.
E. Metacarpels (common name = palms)
Prime function is movement.
F. Phalanges (common name = Fingers )
Prime function is movement.
D
A
E
F
B
C
14. 7. THE PELVIS
A. Ilium (common name = pelvis)
Protects intestines.
B. Pubis ( common name = pelvis)
Forms front of pelvis. Has to
separate in childbirth.
C. Ischium (common name = pelvis)
Forms the ‘boney bum’.
A
B
C
15. 8. THE LEG
A
B
C
F
D
G
E
A. Femur (common name = thigh).
Largest bone in the body, responsible for support
and movement.
B. Patella (common name = knee cap)
Protects the knee joint.
C. Tibia (common name = shin).
Support and movement.
D. Fibula (common name = shin).
‘Thinner’ bone of leg. Support and movement.
E. Tarsels (common name = ankle).
Bones of the ankle and heel. Support and balance.
F. Metatarsels (common name = foot).
Form the sole of the foot. Support and balance.
G. Phalanges (common name = toes)
Support, movement and balance.
17. In order to explain the positioning of bones, organs, muscles and the
like on the human body, anatomists have agreed on a
standardised position for the human body in all cases. This is
known as the anatomical position.
THE ANATOMICAL POSITION
There are four key features to note:
1. Palms face forward.
2. Body is upright.
3. Thumbs point outward – so radius and ulna and uncrossed.
4. Face is forward.
18. The terms of direction in the next section are all
with respect to this position.
Why is it important to always talk about the position
of organs, bones and muscles in or on the human
body with respect to the anatomical position?
This enables everyone to talk from the same
point of view regardless of their profession
or level of expertise.
19. These refer to the position of parts of the body, or of one part with respect to
another.
Term Definition Examples
Anterior On the FRONT of the
body or limb
1. The chest is on
the anterior of the body
2. The face is an anterior
aspect of the head.
Posterior On the BACK of the
body or limb
1. The buttocks are on
the posterior of the body
2. The calf muscles are
on the posterior of the leg
Superior Above or on top of 1. The cervical vertebrae
are superior to the thoracic
vertebrae
2. The thoracic vertebrae
are superior to the lumbar
vertebrae
20. Term Definition Examples
Inferior
Below or beneath
1. Thoracic vertebrae are
inferior to the cervical
vertebrae
2. The lumbar vertebrae are
inferior to the thoracic
vertebrae
Medial
Nearer the midline of
the body
1. The big toe is on
the medial aspect
of the foot
2. The little finger is on
the medial aspect of the
hand
Lateral
Further away from the
midline of the body
1. Little toe is on the
lateral aspect of
the foot.
2. The thumb is on
the lateral aspect
of the hand
21. Term Definition Examples
Distal
Further away from the
body. Usually refers to
the limbs.
1. Wrist is distal to the
elbow
2. Elbow joint is distal to
the shoulder joint
Proximal
Nearer the body.
Usually refers to the
limbs.
1. Elbow is proximal to
the wrist joint
2. Shoulder joint is
proximal to the elbow
Prone
Face down
A press-up is on the
PRONE position
Supine
Face up
A sit-up is on the SUPINE
position
22. Term Definition Examples
Deep When a muscle is
BENEATH another
with respect to the
skin surface
The ilio psoas is a
deep muscle
of the hip
Superficial On the surface of
the body or limb
Pectoralis major is
a superficial
muscle of the
chest
Iliopsoas
Pectoralis Major
This exercise has shown that the terms of direction compliment each other. Complete the
list below by placing the opposite term next to the one provided.
Superior - Inferior Anterior - Posterior
Proximal - Distal Medial - Lateral
Deep - Superficial Supine - Prone
24. There are three broad categories of joint type in
the body. They are classed according to the
degree of movement possible.
The three categories are:
1. Immovable also known as fibrous joints
2. Slightly movable also known as cartilaginous
joints
3. Freely movable also known as synovial joints
We shall look at all these categories in turn.
25. These are non-movable joints. They are the result of tough
fibrous tissue forming where the two bone ends meet.
What is the function of a fibrous joint?
To provide protection.
Examples include:
1. Skull
2. Pelvis
Fibrous joint
26. These are slightly-movable joints. They are the result
of cartilage forming where the two bone meet. This
gives a fair degree of resilience.
What is the function of a cartilaginous joint?
To act as shock absorbers.
Examples include:
1. Invertebral discs
2. Ribs to sternum
3.Where pubic bones meet
Cartilaginous
Joints
27. These are freely movable joints. The only limitation in range of
movement is as a result of bone shape at the joint, and ligaments.
What is the primary function of a synovial joint?
To provide movement.
All synovial joints follow the same basic structure as shown
28. The key components of your illustration have important roles to play in
maintaining the structure of the joint.
1. Ligaments Join bone to bone for stability
2. Capsule Provides stability and protection from
infection
3. Cartilage Reduce wear and tear on bones
4. Synovial Fluid Lubricates the joint and provides shock
absorption
5. Synovial Membrane Produces synovial fluid
In some joints, for example the knee, there are pads of fat and/or discs of
cartilage to further help absorb shock and reduce general ‘wear and tear’.
29. Synovial joints can be divided into six basic types. The types are
governed by the type of movement or movements they allow.
The six basic types are:
1.Gliding
2.Hinge
3.Pivot
4.Condyloid
5.Saddle
6.Ball and Socket
30. Definition: The bone surfaces are small and flat, or slightly
concave and one bones slides over the other.
Examples:
1. Carpals and tarsals.
2. Ribs and vertebrae.
3. Scapula and ribs.
Movements: Only slight movement is possible due to the
restrictions of attached ligaments.
Movements possible are:
1. Side to side (abduction / adduction).
2. Back and forth (extension/flexion).
31. Definition: Two bones join in such a way that movement is
possible only in one direction, usually at right angles to the
bones.
Examples:
1. Elbow.
2. Knee.
3. Ankle.
Movements: A uniaxial joint allowing movement in only one
direction
The only movement possible is:
Back and forth (extension/flexion).
32. Definition: A joint constructed in such a way that rotation only
is possible (usually about the long axis of the bone)
Examples:
1. Atlas and axis of neck.
2. Radius and humerous.
Movements: A uniaxial joint allowing movement in only one
direction
The only movement possible is:
Rotation
33. Definition: Also known as an ellipsoid joint. The bone ends
make the shape of an ellipse.
Examples:
1. Carpals and radius.
2. Metacarpals and phalange.
Movements: A biaxial joint allowing movement in two main
directions.
The movements possible are:
1. Back and forth (extension/flexion).
2. Side to side (abduction/adduction).
3. Some Circumduction.
34. Definition: The bone ends are shaped like a rider on a saddle
Example:
1. Carpal/metacarpal of thumb.
Movements: A biaxial joint allowing movement in two main
directions.
Movements possible are:
1. side to side (abduction / adduction).
2. Back and forth (extension/flexion).
35. Definition: A ball-shaped bone end fits into a socket or cup-
shaped bone.
Examples:
1. Hip.
2. Shoulder.
Movements: A multiaxial joint allowing
movement in many directions around the joint.
The movements possible are:
1. Back and forth (extension/flexion).
2. Side to side (abduction/adduction).
3. Rotation.
4. Circumduction.
36. The shoulder joint is the most freely moving ball and socket joint
we have. The illustration may help you with your answer.
Why is the shoulder joint so freely moving?
Because the socket is shallow.
What do you suppose is the risk of such a freely moving joint?
It is easy to dislocate.
37. Just as we learnt a set of terms to describe the positioning of bones, muscles and
organs in the body, so we have a set of terms to describe how joints move.
Term Definition Examples
Flexion Bending or
decreasing the
angle between
two bones
Be
nding at thekne
e
6. Knee
Raising thethigh
to
wardsthetrunk
5. Hip
Bringing thepalm
to
wardsthefo
re
arm
4. Wrist
Be
nding at thee
lbo
w
3. Arm
Mo
ving thearm fo
rward
2. Shoulder
Be
nding fo
rwards
(side
ways– late
ral
fle
xio
n)
1. Trunk
Be
nding at thekne
e
6. Knee
Raising thethigh
to
wardsthetrunk
5. Hip
Bringing thepalm
to
wardsthefo
re
arm
4. Wrist
Be
nding at thee
lbo
w
3. Arm
Mo
ving thearm fo
rward
2. Shoulder
Be
nding fo
rwards
(side
ways– late
ral
fle
xio
n)
1. Trunk
38. Term Definition Examples
Extension Straightening or
increasing the
angle between
two bones
Straightening theknee
6. Knee
Moving theleg backward
5. Hip
Straightening thewrist
4. Wrist
Straightening thee
lbow
3. Arm
Moving thearm backward
2. Shoulder
Straightening up
1. Trunk
Straightening theknee
6. Knee
Moving theleg backward
5. Hip
Straightening thewrist
4. Wrist
Straightening thee
lbow
3. Arm
Moving thearm backward
2. Shoulder
Straightening up
1. Trunk
39. Term Definition Examples
Abduction Moving a limb or
part of a limb away
from the midline of
the body Moving outwards on a
star jump
Adduction Moving a limb or
part of a limb
towards the midline
of the body
Bringing the limbs back
together in a star
jump
Circumduction A combination of
flexion, extension,
abduction and
adduction.
The movement of
the limb resembles
the shape of a cone
The arm stroke in
Butterfly
40. Term Definition Examples
Rotation Twisting of a limb
about its long axis
Turning the head
Twisting
the trunk
Supination Movement of the
hand into a palm-up
position
Holding a bowl of
soup
Turning a card over
Turning a page in a book
Pronation
Movement of the
hand into a palm-
down position tipping
the soup out
Turning a card face
down
Closing a book
41. Term Definition Examples
Inversion Movement of the
sole of the foot
inward
Eversion Movement of the
sole of the foot
outward
Dorsi flexion Movement of the
top of the foot
upward, closer to
the shin
Plantar flexion Movement of the
sole of the foot
downward
42. Frame Joint Bones at the joint Movement or
Position
A Knee Femur (thigh) & Tibia
(shin)
Flexion
A Trunk (at hip) Pelvis (hip) & Femur Flexion
A → D Right Shoulder Scapula (shoulder blade) &
Humerus (upper arm)
Flexion
A → C Right Hip Pelvis (hip) & Femur Extension
A → D Right Foot (at ankle) Tibia, Fibula (shin) &
Tarsals (ankle)
Plantarflexion
A → D Right Knee Femur & Tibia Extension
A → D Right Hand (at wrist) Radius & Ulna (forearm) &
Carpals (wrist)
Slight (flexion)
D Right Elbow Radius, Ulna & Humerus Extension
45. [A] PRIME MOVERS OF THE TRUNK
1. Rectus adbominus:
Location : A group of two muscles running lengthwise along the medial
aspect of the abdomen. They are rather like two columns of
muscle running up either side of the belly button.
They run from the pubis (pelvis) to the cartilage of the 5th, 6th
and 7th ribs.
Movements: Rectus abdominus allows two basic
movements.
1. Flexion of the trunk.
2. Lateral flexion of the trunk.
Application: Typical sporting actions include:
1. Sit ups.
2. Cartwheels.
3. Pike in diving. Rectus Abdominus
46. [A] PRIME MOVERS OF THE TRUNK
2. Erector Spinae Group:
Location : One of the main muscles located in the lower back and one of
the few visible. It runs from the pelvis to the lumbar vertebrae.
Movements: Erector spinae group allows two basic movements.
They are:
1. Extension of the spine.
2. Lateral flexion of the trunk.
Application
Typical sporting actions include:
1. Straightening out from a pike.
2. Rowing.
3. Swimming (body position).
Erector
Spinae
47. [B] PRIME MOVERS OF THE SHOULDER
1. Trapezius:
Location : A large triangular muscle located on the posterior aspect of
the body.
It runs in a triangular shape from the base of the skull, the 7th
cervical vertebrae and all the thoracic vertebrae, to the scapula
and clavicle.
Movements: Trapezius allows four basic movements.
They are:
1. Raise the head.
2. Pull the shoulders back.
3. Raise the scapula.
4. Drop the scapula.
Application: Typical sporting actions include:
1. Pulling shoulder when throwing.
2. Rowing.
3. Looking up in basketball.
Trapezius
48. [B] PRIME MOVERS OF THE SHOULDER
2. Latissimus Dorsi:
Location : The broadest muscle of the back. It forms the
back of the armpit.
This is a large triangular muscle which covers
the lumbar and lower thoracic region of the back.
It runs from the lower thoracic and lumber regions,
to the anterior aspect of the humerus
Movements: Latissimus dorsi allows three basic movements.
They are:
1. Adduction of the upper arm.
2. Extension of the shoulder.
3. Internal rotation of the shoulder.
How can latissimus dorsi allow internal rotation of the
shoulder to occur if it is a muscle located on the back?
Because it attaches to the humerus
Application: Typical sporting actions include:
1. Recovery in breaststroke.
2. Ten-pin bowling.
3. Drawing arm back to punch.
Latissimus dorsi
49. [B] PRIME MOVERS OF THE SHOULDER
3. Deltoid:
Location : A triangular shaped muscle located on the superior aspect of
the shoulder i.e. above the shoulder joint
It runs from the scapular and clavicle to attach at the humerus
Movements: Deltoid allows four basic movements.
They are:
1. Flexion of the shoulder.
2. Extension of the shoulder.
3. Abduction of the arm.
4. Rotation of the shoulder.
Application: Typical sporting actions include:
1. Throwing.
2. Punching.
3. Swimming .
Deltoid
50. [B] PRIME MOVERS OF THE SHOULDER
3. Pectoralis Major:
Location : A large triangular muscle located on the chest.
It runs from the clavicle, sternum and the 6th rib, to the
humerus.
Movements: Pectoralis major allows three basic movements.
These are:
1. Flexion of the shoulder.
2. Abduction of the arm.
3. Rotation (internal) of the shoulder.
Application: Typical sporting actions include:
1. Throwing.
2. Punching.
3. Press-ups .
Pectoralis major
51. [C] PRIME MOVERS OF THE ELBOW
1. Biceps Brachii:
Location : A two-headed muscle (biceps) located on the anterior aspect
of the humerus
It runs from the scapular to the upper aspect of the radius
Movements: Biceps allows two basic movements.
They are:
1. Flexion of the elbow.
2. Flexion of the shoulder.
Application: Typical sporting actions include:
1. Biceps curl.
2. Rowing.
3. Recovery in breaststroke.
Biceps Brachii
52. [C] PRIME MOVERS OF THE ELBOW
1. Triceps Brachii:
Location : A large muscle located on the posterior aspect
of the humerus.
It runs from the scapular, over the posterior aspect of the
humerus, to the upper part of the ulna.
Movements: Triceps allows two basic movements.
These are:
1. Extension of the elbow.
2. Extension of the shoulder.
Application: Typical sporting actions include:
1. Karate chop.
2. Press-up.
3. Punching.
Triceps Brachii
53. [D] PRIME MOVERS OF THE WRIST
1. Flexor digitorum:
Location : This is one of the main gripping muscles of the
anterior aspect of the forearm.
It runs mainly from the proximal aspect of the radius and
ulna, over the anterior of the forearm, to attach to the
fingers.
Movements:
Flexor digitorum has two basic movements.
1. Flex the fingers (make a fist).
2. Flex the wrist.
Application: Typical sporting actions include:
1. Punching.
2. Hold a racquet.
3. Wrist ‘dink; in a set shot (volleyball).
Flexor digitorum
54. [D] PRIME MOVERS OF THE WRIST
2. Extensor digitorum:
Location : This is one of the muscles in direct opposition to
the flexor digitorum. It is located on the posterior aspect of
the forearm.
It runs over the posterior of the forearm, to attach to the
fingers.
Movements: Extensor digitorum allows two basic movements.
1. Extend the fingers.
2. Extend the wrist.
Application: Typical sporting actions :
1. Karate chop.
2. Fending in tackling.
3. Set shot in (volleyball).
Extensor
digitorum
55. [E] PRIME MOVERS OF THE HIP AND KNEE
1. Illiopsoas:
Location : This is a group of three muscles located deep inside the hip
region.
It runs from the lumbar vertebrae and pelvis to the upper
femur.
Movements: Illiopsoas allows one basic movement.
This is:
1. Flexion of the hip.
Application: Typical sporting actions include:
1. Kicking.
2. Running.
3. Cycling.
56. [E] PRIME MOVERS OF THE HIP AND KNEE
2. Gluteus Maximus:
Location : This is a the large fleshy muscle that makes up your backside.
You are probably sitting on it right now! It is an extremely
powerful muscle.
It is located on the posterior aspect of the hip running from
the ilium (pelvis), sacrum and coccyx to the upper third of the
femur.
Movements: Gluteus maximus
allows three basic movements.
1. Extension of the leg.
2. Abduction of the leg.
3. External rotation of the leg .
(rotating outwards)
Application: Typical sporting actions include:
1. Kicking.
2. Running.
3. Jumping.
57. [E] PRIME MOVERS OF THE HIP AND KNEE
3. Quadriceps:
Location : This is a group of four (quad) muscles located on the anterior
aspect of the thigh.
The four muscles making up the quadriceps group
are:
1. Rectus femoris
2. Vastus medialis
3. Vastus lateralis
4. Vastus intermedius (not shown)
Movements: Quadriceps allows
two basic movements.
1. Extension of the knee.
2. Flexion of the hip.
Application: Typical sporting actions include:
1. Kicking.
2. Running.
3. Jumping.
The Vastus intermedius is not shown
because it lies under the Rectus femoris, so
is not visible.
58. Consider the illustration. Label the muscles of the
quadriceps group you can identify.
Rectus femoris
Vastus lateralis
Vastus Medialis
59. [E] PRIME MOVERS OF THE HIP AND KNEE
3. Hamstrings:
Location : This is a group of three muscles located on the posterior
aspect of the thigh.
Since they are in direct opposition to the quadriceps and are
generally weaker they are prone to injury.
The three muscles making up the hamstrings group are:
1. Semitendinosus.
2. Biceps femoris.
3. Semimembranosis.
Movements: Hamstrings allows two basic movements.
These are:
1. Extension of the hip.
2. Flexion of the knee.
Application: Typical sporting actions include:
1. Kicking.
2. Running.
3. Jumping.
60. [F] PRIME MOVERS OF THE ANLKE
1. Gastroncnemius:
Location : This is a the large fleshy muscle located on the posterior
aspect of the lower leg.
It runs from the distal aspect of the femur to the tarsal's
(heel) via the Achilles tendon.
Movements: Gastrocnemius allows two basic movements.
These are:
1. Knee flexion.
2. Plantar flexion.
Application: Typical sporting actions include:
1. Kicking.
2. Pointing toes.
3. Jumping.
61. [F] PRIME MOVERS OF THE ANLKE
2. Soleus:
Location : This muscle lies beneath gastrocnemius and serves largely the
same function. It shares the Achilles tendon with
gastrocnemius.
It runs from the proximal aspect of both tibia and fibula to
the same position as gastrocnemius on the heel
Movements: Soleus allows one basic movements.
1. Plantar flexion.
Application: Typical sporting actions
include:
1. Kicking.
2. Pointing toes.
3. Jumping.
62. [F] PRIME MOVERS OF THE ANLKE
3. Tibialis anterior:
Location : This muscle is located on the anterior aspect of the lower leg.
It lies mainly over the tibia and can be felt running along its sharp
edge.
It runs from the proximal aspect of the tibia to the toes.
Movements: Tibialis anterior allows two basic movements.
1. Dorsi flexion.
2. Inversion.
Application: Typical sporting actions include:
1. Passing with the outside.
of the foot (soccer).
2. Kicking (recovery).
3. Rowing.
63. When muscles create movement, they tend to work in pairs.
When one muscle (or group), contracts to generate the
movement, the opposing muscle (or group) relaxes.
This is known as Reciprocal Inhibition.
Each muscle in the pair is labelled as either the agonist or
antagonist.
Agonist:
The muscle that produces the movement.
Agonists are also referred to as prime movers. Why?
Because they are the main muscle producing
movement (prime = main).
Antagonist:
This muscle that opposes motion.
64. Consider the example of a bicep curl.
The movement occurring at the elbow is flexion
The agonist muscle would be biceps.
The antagonist muscle would be triceps.
The prime mover would be biceps.
When the person extends the arm i.e. to lower the
weight:
The agonist muscle would be triceps.
The antagonist muscle would be biceps.
What other role does the antagonist muscle play in the
lowering of the weight?
Controls the speed at which weight is lowered in
order to help prevent injury.