Discover the Amazing Skeletal System: Parts, Functions, and Fun Facts!

117

Bella Isaacs

27/08/2025

PE GCSE

Subjects

3,360

•

27 Aug 2025

•

2 pages

Discover the Amazing Skeletal System: Parts, Functions, and Fun Facts!

Name: Knowunity
Brand: Knowunity

Bella Isaacs

@bellaisaacs_

The skeletal system provides crucial support, protection, and movement for... Show more

Skeleton provides points for attachment
for the muscles (when muscles contract,
they pull on the bants.)
skeletal system allows
MOVEMENT at

Musculoskeletal System and Movement

This page explores how bones and muscles work together to produce movement, as well as the integration with the cardiorespiratory system during physical activity.

Levers and Mechanical Advantage:

The musculoskeletal system operates using lever systems:

First class lever: Fulcrum between effort and load (e.g. nodding head)
Second class lever: Load between fulcrum and effort (e.g. standing on toes)
Third class lever: Effort between fulcrum and load (most common, e.g. bicep curl)

Highlight: The 6 types of synovial joints (ball and socket, hinge, pivot, ellipsoid, saddle, and plane) allow for different types of movement in the body.

Mechanical advantage is calculated as: Effort Arm ÷ Resistance Arm

Second class levers typically have higher mechanical advantage due to shorter resistance arms

Cardiorespiratory System Integration:

The skeletal and muscular systems work closely with the cardiorespiratory system during movement:

Cardiac output = Heart rate × Stroke volume
Stroke volume can be increased by stronger contractions
Vasodilation increases blood flow to working muscles
Vasoconstriction reduces blood flow to non-essential areas

Definition: Cardiac output is the volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute, calculated by multiplying heart rate and stroke volume.

Gaseous Exchange:

Oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged in the lungs through diffusion:

O₂ moves from alveoli to blood capillaries
CO₂ moves from capillaries to alveoli
Alveoli are adapted for efficient gas exchange with large surface area and thin walls

Vocabulary: Alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs between the air and bloodstream.

Breathing Mechanics:

Inspiration: Diaphragm and intercostal muscles contract, increasing chest cavity volume
Expiration: Diaphragm and intercostal muscles relax, decreasing chest cavity volume

Spirometry measures lung volumes:

Tidal volume: Normal breath
Inspiratory reserve: Additional air forcibly inhaled
Expiratory reserve: Additional air forcibly exhaled
Residual volume: Air remaining after maximal exhalation

Example: During exercise, breathing rate and depth increase to supply more oxygen to working muscles and remove excess carbon dioxide.

Skeletal System Structure and Functions

The skeletal system provides the framework for the human body and enables movement through its interaction with muscles. This page covers the key functions and components of the skeletal system.

Functions of the Skeleton:

The skeletal system serves multiple vital functions in the body:

Support - keeps the body upright
Shape - provides structural points for attachment
Protection - shields organs from external forces
Production - generates red and white blood cells
Movement - allows muscles to pull on bones for locomotion
Mineral storage - stores essential minerals like calcium

Highlight: The skeletal system has 5 major functions including support, protection, movement, blood cell production, and mineral storage.

Types of Bones:

Different bone types serve specialized purposes:

Flat bones: Protect vital organs (e.g. scapula, cranium, sternum, ribs)
Short bones: Enable finer, more controlled movements (e.g. carpals, tarsals, phalanges)
Long bones: Support body weight and allow gross movements (e.g. femur, humerus)

Example: The cranium is an example of a flat bone that protects the brain, while the femur is a long bone that supports weight in the leg.

Synovial Joints:

Synovial joints allow for movement and have several key components:

Ligaments join bone to bone
Cartilage provides a smooth, friction-free surface
Synovial fluid lubricates the joint
Bursae (fluid-filled sacs) reduce friction

Vocabulary: Synovial joints are the most common and movable type of joint in the body, characterized by a fluid-filled cavity between the articulating bones.

Types of Movement:

The skeletal system enables various movement types at joints:

Flexion: Reduces angle between bones
Extension: Increases angle between bones
Abduction: Moves limbs away from body
Adduction: Moves limbs towards body
Plantar flexion: Points toes downward
Dorsiflexion: Points toes upward

Definition: Flexion is the bending movement that decreases the angle between body parts, while extension is the straightening movement that increases the angle.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

Stefan S

iOS user

Samantha Klich

Android user

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Basil

Android user

David K

iOS user

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

Rohan U

Android user

Xander S

iOS user

Elisha

iOS user

Paul T

iOS user

Subjects

•

3,360

•

27 Aug 2025

•

2 pages

Discover the Amazing Skeletal System: Parts, Functions, and Fun Facts!

Bella Isaacs

@bellaisaacs_

The skeletal system provides crucial support, protection, and movement for the human body. It consists of various types of bones and joints that work together with muscles to enable locomotion and protect vital organs.

• The skeletal system has multiple... Show more

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Musculoskeletal System and Movement

This page explores how bones and muscles work together to produce movement, as well as the integration with the cardiorespiratory system during physical activity.

Levers and Mechanical Advantage:

The musculoskeletal system operates using lever systems:

First class lever: Fulcrum between effort and load (e.g. nodding head)
Second class lever: Load between fulcrum and effort (e.g. standing on toes)
Third class lever: Effort between fulcrum and load (most common, e.g. bicep curl)

Highlight: The 6 types of synovial joints (ball and socket, hinge, pivot, ellipsoid, saddle, and plane) allow for different types of movement in the body.

Mechanical advantage is calculated as: Effort Arm ÷ Resistance Arm

Second class levers typically have higher mechanical advantage due to shorter resistance arms

Cardiorespiratory System Integration:

The skeletal and muscular systems work closely with the cardiorespiratory system during movement:

Cardiac output = Heart rate × Stroke volume
Stroke volume can be increased by stronger contractions
Vasodilation increases blood flow to working muscles
Vasoconstriction reduces blood flow to non-essential areas

Definition: Cardiac output is the volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute, calculated by multiplying heart rate and stroke volume.

Gaseous Exchange:

Oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged in the lungs through diffusion:

O₂ moves from alveoli to blood capillaries
CO₂ moves from capillaries to alveoli
Alveoli are adapted for efficient gas exchange with large surface area and thin walls

Vocabulary: Alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs between the air and bloodstream.

Breathing Mechanics:

Inspiration: Diaphragm and intercostal muscles contract, increasing chest cavity volume
Expiration: Diaphragm and intercostal muscles relax, decreasing chest cavity volume

Spirometry measures lung volumes:

Tidal volume: Normal breath
Inspiratory reserve: Additional air forcibly inhaled
Expiratory reserve: Additional air forcibly exhaled
Residual volume: Air remaining after maximal exhalation

Example: During exercise, breathing rate and depth increase to supply more oxygen to working muscles and remove excess carbon dioxide.

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Skeletal System Structure and Functions

The skeletal system provides the framework for the human body and enables movement through its interaction with muscles. This page covers the key functions and components of the skeletal system.

Functions of the Skeleton:

The skeletal system serves multiple vital functions in the body:

Support - keeps the body upright
Shape - provides structural points for attachment
Protection - shields organs from external forces
Production - generates red and white blood cells
Movement - allows muscles to pull on bones for locomotion
Mineral storage - stores essential minerals like calcium

Highlight: The skeletal system has 5 major functions including support, protection, movement, blood cell production, and mineral storage.

Types of Bones:

Different bone types serve specialized purposes:

Flat bones: Protect vital organs (e.g. scapula, cranium, sternum, ribs)
Short bones: Enable finer, more controlled movements (e.g. carpals, tarsals, phalanges)
Long bones: Support body weight and allow gross movements (e.g. femur, humerus)

Example: The cranium is an example of a flat bone that protects the brain, while the femur is a long bone that supports weight in the leg.

Synovial Joints:

Synovial joints allow for movement and have several key components:

Ligaments join bone to bone
Cartilage provides a smooth, friction-free surface
Synovial fluid lubricates the joint
Bursae (fluid-filled sacs) reduce friction

Vocabulary: Synovial joints are the most common and movable type of joint in the body, characterized by a fluid-filled cavity between the articulating bones.

Types of Movement:

The skeletal system enables various movement types at joints:

Flexion: Reduces angle between bones
Extension: Increases angle between bones
Abduction: Moves limbs away from body
Adduction: Moves limbs towards body
Plantar flexion: Points toes downward
Dorsiflexion: Points toes upward

Definition: Flexion is the bending movement that decreases the angle between body parts, while extension is the straightening movement that increases the angle.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

Stefan S

iOS user

Samantha Klich

Android user

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Basil

Android user

David K

iOS user

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

Rohan U

Android user

Xander S

iOS user

Elisha

iOS user

Paul T

iOS user

Stefan S

iOS user

Samantha Klich

Android user

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Basil

Android user

David K

iOS user

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

Rohan U

Android user

Xander S

iOS user

Elisha

iOS user

Paul T

iOS user