NZQA registered unit standard
12719 version 4
Page 1 of 3
Title
Describe the human musculoskeletal system
Level
4
Credits
2
Purpose
People credited with this unit standard are able to describe: the
normal structure and function of the bones of the skeleton; the
normal structure and function of joints of the skeleton; and the
normal structure and function of the muscular system.
Classification
Health, Disability, and Aged Support > Core Health
Available grade
Achieved
Explanatory notes
1
Reference
Marieb, E.N. (2010). Essentials of human anatomy and physiology (10th ed.). San
Francisco, CA: Pearson/Benjamin Cummings.
2
As the content of this unit standard is largely informational, evidence requirements
assume that knowledge will be acquired from the reference text in conjunction with
models and other information-bearing media. In this regard it is expected that
outcomes and evidence will be in accordance with the reference text.
3
Definition
Normal structure and function refers to structure and function which are not impaired
by abnormalities or dysfunction.
Outcomes and evidence requirements
Outcome 1
Describe the normal structure and function of the bones of the skeleton.
Evidence requirements
1.1
The normal structure and functions of types of bones in the skeleton are
described.
Range
1.2
long, irregular, short, flat, sesamoid bones;
support, protection, levers for movement, provision of attachment,
blood formation, mineral storage.
The bones of the axial skeleton are identified according to their location.
Community Support Services ITO Limited
SSB Code 101814
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA registered unit standard
Range
1.3
12719 version 4
Page 2 of 3
skull; spine – cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral vertebra, and
coccyx; ribs; sternum.
The bones of the appendicular skeleton are identified according to their
location.
Range
shoulder girdle – clavicles, scapulae; arm bones – humerus, ulnar,
radius, carpals, metacarpals, phalanges; pelvic girdle; leg bones –
femur, tibia, fibula, patella, tarsals, metatarsals, phalanges.
Outcome 2
Describe the normal structure and function of joints of the skeleton.
Evidence requirements
2.1
The structure and range of motion of joints are identified and described.
Range
2.2
structure – fibrous, cartilaginous, synovial;
motion – freely moveable, slightly moveable, immovable.
The types of synovial joints are identified according to their movements.
Range
one example of each type – ball and socket, hinge, gliding, pivot,
condyloid, saddle joints;
movements – flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, rotation,
circumduction, gliding.
Outcome 3
Describe the normal structure and function of the muscular system.
Evidence requirements
3.1
The similarities and differences in the characteristics and functions of skeletal,
smooth, and cardiac muscle are described.
Range
3.2
The characteristics of muscle tissue are described in relation to structure and
function.
Range
3.3
location, cell shape and appearance, voluntary control, involuntary
control.
excitability, contractility, extensibility, elasticity.
The structure of skeletal muscle and associated tissue is described.
Range
muscle fibres, endomysium, perimysium, epimysium, tendons,
blood vessels, nerves.
Community Support Services ITO Limited
SSB Code 101814
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA registered unit standard
3.4
The mechanism of skeletal muscle contraction is described in relation to the
stimulation and reaction of muscle fibres.
Range
3.5
12719 version 4
Page 3 of 3
nerve impulse, neurotransmitters, synapse, actin, myosin heads,
calcium, binding sites, contraction, relaxation.
The principal superficial skeletal muscles are identified according to location
and one principal movement.
Range
any ten principal skeletal muscles.
Planned review date
31 December 2017
Status information and last date for assessment for superseded versions
Process
Version Date
Last Date for Assessment
Registration
1
23 October 1998
31 December 2012
Review
2
26 May 2004
31 December 2012
Review
3
20 March 2008
31 December 2012
Review
4
20 September 2012
N/A
Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR) reference
0024
This CMR can be accessed at http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/framework/search/index.do.
Please note
Providers must be granted consent to assess against standards (accredited) by NZQA,
before they can report credits from assessment against unit standards or deliver courses
of study leading to that assessment.
Industry Training Organisations must be granted consent to assess against standards by
NZQA before they can register credits from assessment against unit standards.
Providers and Industry Training Organisations, which have been granted consent and
which are assessing against unit standards must engage with the moderation system that
applies to those standards.
Requirements for consent to assess and an outline of the moderation system that applies
to this standard are outlined in the Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR). The
CMR also includes useful information about special requirements for organisations wishing
to develop education and training programmes, such as minimum qualifications for tutors
and assessors, and special resource requirements.
Comments on this unit standard
Please contact the Community Support Services ITO Limited info@careerforce.org.nz if
you wish to suggest changes to the content of this unit standard.
Community Support Services ITO Limited
SSB Code 101814
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016