KS 3 Science
The Skeleton
By M. Burton. Bettws High School, Newport
Bones of
the human
skeleton
You do not
have to
learn the
names of all
of the bones
in the human
body !
Functions of the skeleton
Support
– Your bones give your body its
overall shape.
Movement
– Along with your muscles
they allow us to move.
Protection
– Some bones protect vital
organs such as the brain, heart and lungs
What is a joint ?
A joint is the point
where 2 or more
bones come together.
Types of joint
There are many different types of
joint in the human body – we will
only consider 3 of them !
Fixed Joints
Is the skull just one bone ?
Fixed Joints
The skull is made of 22 bones !
14 of these are in the face !
The bones of
your skull are
joined together
and cannot move
(except the lower
jaw).
Hinge Joints
The elbow
joint
Allows the
arm to bend
in one
direction
Hinge Joints
The knee is
another type of
hinge joint
Ball and Socket Joints
The hip
joint
Allows
rotation in
all
directions
Ball and Socket Joints
Shoulder
Hip
Can you see
another ball
and socket
joint ?
Types of Joints - Summary
Copy and fill in
this summary
table
Types of Joints - Summary
Type of joint
Example
Type of
movement
Fixed
Skull
None
Hinge
Knee and
elbow
Bend in one
direction
Ball and socket
Shoulder and
Hip
Rotation in all
directions
Synovial Joints
Most joints that allow movement
contain liquid and have a similar
structure
They are called synovial joints
and they are full of synovial fluid
Synovial Joint Structure
ligament
ligament
Synovial
membrane
Cartilage
Synovial
fluid
Femur
(leg bone)
Parts of a Synovial Joint
Ligaments – hold bones in place preventing dislocation
Synovial fluid – reduces friction as the bones slide across
one another
Synovial membrane – produces and encases the synovial
fluid
Cartilage – acts as a shock absorber to protect the ends
of the bones