Muscular-Skeletal System

Section 1: Understanding the Muscular-Skeletal System

  • The muscular-skeletal system is made up of two distinct but interconnected systems: the skeletal system and the muscular system.
  • The skeletal system is comprised of all the bones in the body, providing structure, support, and protection.
  • The muscular system contains all the muscles, which are responsible for movement and for maintaining posture.
  • Joints, where two or more bones meet, allow movement in certain directions.

Section 2: The Skeletal System

  • Bones provide the framework for the body, supporting and shaping it. They also protect internal organs; for instance, the skull safeguards the brain.
  • Bones serve as lever systems, allowing movement when muscles contract.
  • The skeleton also produces red and white blood cells in the bone marrow and stores important minerals such as calcium and phosphorous.
  • There are three types of joints in the skeletal system: hinge joints (like in the knee and elbow), ball and socket joints (like the hip or shoulder), and pivot joints (like in the neck).

Section 3: The Muscular System

  • Muscles work in pairs known as antagonistic pairs; when one muscle contracts (shortens), the other relaxes (lengthens) to produce movement.
  • There are three types of muscle in the body: skeletal, cardiac, and smooth. For physical activity, we’re mainly concerned with skeletal muscle.
  • Skeletal muscle is also known as voluntary muscle because we have control over it.
  • Muscle fibres are classed into two types: Type I (slow-twitch, good for endurance) and Type II (fast-twitch, good for short bursts of power and speed).
  • Muscles are attached to bones by tough, fibrous cords known as tendons.

Section 4: Role of the Muscular-Skeletal System in Physical Activity

  • In physical activity, the muscular-skeletal system works to create motion. Muscles pull on bones, causing them to move.
  • The system provides the body with stability, maintaining balance and control during movement.
  • The muscular-skeletal system is also responsible for generating heat during exercise as a byproduct of muscle contraction. This heat aids performance by keeping the body’s core temperature stable.
  • Good understanding and care of the muscular-skeletal system can improve physical performance and reduce the risk of injury.