Skeletal System
The Skeletal System
In this lesson, you will Learn About…
 I can describe the parts and functions of the
skeletal system and explain how they work
together
 I can describe the types of connective tissue
 I can discuss and describe bone injuries and
disorders of the skeletal system.
The Skeletal System
The Vocabulary terms for this lesson are:
 Skeletal system.
 Joint.
 Cartilage.
 Ligament.
 Tendon.
Bones for Support, Muscles for
Movement
You depend on your
skeletal and muscular
systems to support
you and help you
move.
Bones for Support
The skeletal system gives the body
structure and protects the internal organs.
The skeletal system is made up of 206
bones as well as many joints and
connecting tissues.
Connective tissue:
-Cartilage
-Ligaments
-Tendons
Bones for Support
Bones have many important jobs:
Movement: bones provide points of attachment for muscles.
When your limbs move muscles pull on bones.
Support: backbone is made of 24 bones called vertebrae.
Backbone supports head and upper body
Protection: bones of the skull protect the brain; ribs protect
your heart and lungs
Blood cell formation: Red and white blood cells are formed by
tissue called marrow, which is in the center of some bones
Storage: store minerals like calcium
Bones for Support
The inner cavity of your long bones
contain yellow marrow and red marrow.
•Yellow marrow is a fatty tissue
•Red marrow produces red blood cells and most of
the white blood cells in your blood
Bones for Support
The Skeletal System
Clavicle
(collarbone)
Scapula
(shoulder blade)
Sternum
(breastbone)
Humerus
(upper arm)
Rib cage
Ulna
Radius
Cranium (skull)
Cervical vertebrae
(neck bones)
Thoracic vertebrae
(upper back)
Lumbar vertebrae
(lower back)
Pelvis
Femur
(thighbone)
Patella (kneecap)
Carpals (wrist)
Metacarpals (hand)
Tibia (shinbone)
Fibula
Phalanges (fingers and toes)
Tarsals (ankle)
Metatarsals (foot)
The Skeletal System (cont’d.)
The skeletal system has several types of
joints.
 Some joints are immoveable, such as those in
the skull.
 Others allow a wide range of movement.
The Skeletal System (cont’d.)
Gliding Joint
One part of a
bone glides
over another
bone, allowing
a small range of
sideways
movement. The
vertebrae in the
back that
protect the
spinal cord are
examples of
gliding joints.
Ex. Vertebrae,
wrists, & ankles
Hinge Joint
This joint moves in
only one direction, like
a door hinge. The knee
and elbow are hinge
joints. Ex. Elbows and
knees
Pivot Joint
The end of the bone rotates
inside a ring formed by another.
The joint can move up and down
and from side to side. One pivot
joint is located between the first
two vertebrae, connecting the
head to the neck.
Ex. b/w neck & head
Ball-and-Socket Joint
The ball-shaped head of one bone
moves inside the cup-shaped
socket of another. The joint can
move in all directions. The hip is
a ball-and-socket joint.
Ex. Hips and shoulders
Ball and Socket Joint
•Ball and socket joints move in all directions
•Held in place by ligaments
•Examples: hips and shoulders
Hinge Joint
•Move in only one direction
•Examples: elbows and knees
Gliding Joint
•Enable bones to slide over one another
•Examples: vertebrae, wrists, and ankles
Pivot Joint
•Move from side to side and up and down
•Examples: head and neck
Connective Tissue
3 Types of connecting tissues link bones to
muscles so that the two can work together
to move parts of the body. Each type has a
specific function:
 Cartilage allows joints to move easily,
cushions bones, and supports soft tissues,
such as those in the nose and ear.

When you were a baby, your skeleton was mostly
cartilage. As you grew cartilage was replace by bone.
 Ligaments hold bones in place at the joints;
for example, in the knee and ankle.
 Tendons join muscle to muscle or muscle to
bone.
Caring for Your Skeletal System
Keep the skeletal system healthy by
following these tips:





Participate in regular physical activity.
Follow a nutritious eating plan.
Practice good posture.
Lift objects carefully.
Treat injuries quickly.
Reviewing Terms and Facts
1. List the three types of connecting
tissue.
 Cartilage
 Ligaments
 Tendons
Reviewing Terms and Facts
2. Explain how your skeletal and muscular
systems work together.
The skeletal system supports and protects the
body. The muscular system is connected to the
skeletal system and the muscles contract or
extend to cause movement of the bones.
Thinking Critically
3. Why do you think backaches may be
caused by poor posture?
Vocabulary Review
The skeletal system is the framework of
bones and other tissues that supports the
body.
Vocabulary Review
The muscular system consists of tissues
that move parts of the body and operate
internal organs.
Vocabulary Review
The place where two or more bones meet
is called a joint.
Vocabulary Review
Cartilage allows joints to move easily,
cushions bones, and supports soft tissues,
such as those in the nose and ear.
Vocabulary Review
A ligament holds bones in place at the
joints.
Vocabulary Review
Tendons join muscle to muscle or muscle
to bone.