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skeletal

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

Skeletal means related to the skeleton. The skeleton is the framework of the body that supports the muscles and organs. It also protects the brain and other internal organs.

The skeleton is made up of bones. Bones are strong and hard, but they are also flexible. This allows them to support the body and protect the organs, but also to move.

There are many different types of bones in the skeleton. Some bones are long, like the bones in the arms and legs. Other bones are short, like the bones in the hands and feet. There are also flat bones, like the bones in the skull.

The skeleton is very important for movement. The muscles attach to the bones, and when the muscles contract, they pull on the bones and cause them to move. This is how we are able to walk, run, jump, and do other things.

The skeleton also protects the organs. The skull protects the brain, the ribs protect the heart and lungs, and the spine protects the spinal cord.

How can the word be used?

The building's skeleton was made of steel.

skeletal

Different forms of the word

Noun:

  • the bony framework of a vertebrate animal, supporting the flesh and organs.
  • a framework or structure that supports something else.
  • a bare or incomplete set of something.

Adjective:

  • relating to or resembling a skeleton.

Etymology

The word "skeleton" comes from the Greek word "skeletos", which means "dried up" or "withered".

The first recorded use of the word "skeleton" in English was in the 14th century.

The word "skeleton" is a Greek word, and it is related to the English word "skeletal".

Question

What is a skeleton?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Explain the role of the skeletal system in supporting the body and protecting vital organs, discussing how bones, joints, and connective tissues contribute to overall body structure and movement.

Answer:

The skeletal system plays a crucial role in providing structural support, protecting vital organs, and facilitating movement in the human body. Bones, joints, and connective tissues work in harmony to maintain the body's form and function.

Bones serve as the framework that gives the body its shape and rigidity. They provide attachment points for muscles, enabling movement through coordinated contractions. Additionally, bones act as a reservoir for minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus, essential for various physiological processes.

Joints are where two or more bones come together. They allow controlled movement and determine the range of motion in different parts of the body. Synovial fluid within joints lubricates and cushions them, reducing friction and preventing damage during movement.

Connective tissues, such as ligaments and tendons, contribute to the skeletal system's integrity. Ligaments connect bones to bones, stabilizing joints, while tendons connect muscles to bones, enabling coordinated muscle contractions for precise movement.

Furthermore, the skeletal system provides protection for vital organs. For instance, the ribcage safeguards the heart and lungs, while the skull protects the brain.