Skeleton Structure (AQA GCSE Physical Education (PE))

Structure of the Skeleton

• One of the main roles of the skeleton is to help to provide a framework for movement

• A joint is a connection between two or more bones that allows movement (in most cases - fixed joints do exist between the plates of the cranium)

  • The structure and position of bones of the skeletal system allows the movement to take place

  • The contraction of muscles pulls the bones to create movement. The skeleton is connected to the muscles to allow this to take place

  • There are different types of joints that allow different types of movement e.g. the elbow and the shoulder have different types of joints

• The shape and size of the bones play an important role in their function

  • Long bones enable gross movement, which is a large-scale movement like running or standing up

  • Short bones enable finer, controlled movement such as articulation of the fingers

  • Flat bones, such as the ribs, protect organs from damage