Functions
What are the main functions of the skeletal system?
Support, movement, protection, mineral storage, and blood cell production.
What are the three types of muscle tissue?
Skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle.
What is a fracture?
A broken bone.
What is a joint?
A place where two or more bones meet.
What are the benefits of exercise for the muscular system?
Increases strength, endurance, flexibility, and muscle tone.
How do ligaments help the skeletal system?
They connect bones to other bones at joints and help stabilize the skeleton.
What is the difference between voluntary and involuntary muscles?
Voluntary muscles are controlled consciously (like skeletal muscles), while involuntary muscles (like cardiac and smooth) work automatically.
How is a sprain different from a strain?
A sprain is an injury to a ligament; a strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon.
Name one type of movable joint and give an example.
Hinge joint (e.g., knee), ball-and-socket joint (e.g., shoulder), or gliding joint (e.g., wrist).
How does aerobic exercise improve heart function?
It strengthens the heart muscle and improves circulation and oxygen delivery.
Explain how bones provide support to the body.
Bones form the framework that supports the body’s shape and posture.
Describe the structure of skeletal muscle cells.
Long, cylindrical, striated (striped), and multinucleated.
What might cause tendinitis?
Overuse or repetitive motion causing inflammation of a tendon.
How do ligaments connect bones at a joint?
Ligaments stretch across the joint and hold bones together, allowing controlled movement.
Why is flexibility important for muscles?
It prevents injury, improves range of motion, and helps with balance and coordination.
What role do bones play in blood cell production?
Bone marrow inside certain bones produces red and white blood cells.
How do smooth muscle cells differ from cardiac muscle cells?
Smooth muscle cells are not striated and found in organs; cardiac muscle cells are striated, branched, and found only in the heart.
What are some common symptoms of muscular dystrophy?
Weak muscles, difficulty walking, muscle loss, and fatigue.
Why are some joints in the skull fixed?
To protect the brain by forming a solid, immovable structure.
What is the recommended amount of physical activity for children?
At least 60 minutes of physical activity per day.
Why is the skeletal system considered an "endoskeleton"?
Because it is an internal skeleton located inside the body, unlike exoskeletons in insects.
What would happen if skeletal muscles could not contract?
Movement would be impossible — we couldn’t walk, lift, or perform voluntary actions.
How can osteoporosis affect the skeletal system?
It makes bones thin, brittle, and more likely to break.
What type of joint allows for circular movement?
Ball-and-socket joint (e.g., shoulder or hip).
How does weight training benefit the skeletal system?
It increases bone density and strength, helping prevent conditions like osteoporosis.