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Ecodetectives on Dipity.

Ecodetectives on Dipity.

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The skeletal system

  

The skeletal system works forms a strong structure for the body, gives the body its shape, protects the inside organs, and makes red blood cells.

The skeletal system is comprised of:

Bones: their purpose is to protect and support the function of other organs in the body. Bones store minerals and provide blood protection while producing red and white blood cells.

Cartilage: A connective tissue located throughout the body. Cartilage supports the structure of many body parts and functions like the bones, ribs, ears and nose.

Tendons: Provide the connection between muscle and bone. Tendons work with the muscles to allow movement, since they can withstand pressure and tension.

Ligaments: Connect bones to other bones. They provide stability to joints during rest and active movement.

Joints: Made up of bones, tendons and ligaments, they allow for a vast range of movement.

Pivot: Found at the top of the spine, it allows your head to move from side to side

Hinge: This type of joint can open and close like a door. The elbow is an example of a hinge joint.

Gliding joints:This type of joint has two bone plates that glide against one another. Gliding joints can be found in the ankles and wrists.

Ball-and-socket joints: Found in the shoulder and hips, this type of joint allows forward motion, backward motion and circular rotation.

The skeletal system does not work alone. It interacts with the muscular system. Muscles connect to the skeleton and contract and relax to move the skeleton. Ligaments and bones working together make the process of movement happen smoothly. The bones in the skeleton also work with the circulatory system. The marrow inside the bones produces the red and white blood cells that are needed to ward against disease and provide oxygen and remove waste from all the cells in the body.

Analogy

The Skeletal System is like the frame of a house because a house frame:

• provides a strong structure, 
• forms its shape, and 
• protects the insides of the house.

The bones are like the wooden beams because they provide the structure. The ligaments are like the nails that connect the beams to one another. Hinge joints are found in doors, while gliding joints are found in the sliding doors of a house.

Structure and Function

The main function of the spine is to provide support for the body and head, withstand impact and protect the spinal cord. The vertebrae are uniquely shaped to perform these functions.
1. It is made of hard compact bone tissue, which protects the spine. However, they needed to have a hole in the middle so that the spinal cord can pass through.
2. It is made of several smaller bones (vertebrae). This allows the spine to flex making it possible for us to bend over, while also providing some room to cushion the impact when we jump. If it was one long bony column, it would probably dig into our brain every time we played jump rope.
3. The different vertebrae  have unique shapes depending on where they are located, which allows different muscles and ligaments to be attached to them. This provides a way for each section (or vertebrae) to interact with the muscular system giving mechanical support so that we can remain upright.

Sources:

http://www.ehow.com/facts_5526207_major-organs-skeletal-system.html#ixzz2ozV0vTnK

http://science.howstuffworks.com/life/human-biology/bone11.htm