SCIENCE
QUESTION
ANSWERS
Skeleton and Its
Functions
The human skeleton is the strong inner
framework of our body, made up of 206
bones in adults. It gives the body its
shape and supports all movements.
Main Functions:
Support: Provides structure and keeps
the body upright
Protection: Guards delicate organs like
the brain (skull) and lungs (rib cage)
Movement: Works with muscles and
joints to allow movement
Blood Cell Production: Bone marrow
makes red and white blood cells
Storage: Holds minerals such as
calcium and phosphorus
PARTS OF SKELETON
1. Skull
The skull is made up of 22 bones.
It protects the brain from injury.
It gives shape to the face and head.
It holds and protects the eyes and ears.
It supports chewing and facial muscles.
It is divided into cranium and facial
bones.
2. Rib Cage
The rib cage consists of 12 pairs of ribs
and the sternum.
It protects the heart and lungs inside
the chest.
It is part of the axial skeleton.
It helps in breathing by expanding and
contracting.
The upper 10 pairs are attached to the
sternum.
The last 2 pairs are called "floating
ribs."
3. Backbone (Vertebral Column)
Made of 33 small bones called
vertebrae.
It extends from the skull to the pelvis.
It protects the spinal cord running
inside it.
It supports the body’s weight.
It allows bending, twisting, and
standing upright.
It is divided into five regions: cervical,
thoracic, lumbar, sacrum, and coccyx.
4. Limbs
Limbs are external body parts used for
movement.
Humans have two upper and two lower
limbs.
They are connected to the central
skeleton.
They help us perform daily activities.
Each limb has joints, bones, and
muscles.
They allow actions like walking, lifting,
and grasping.
5. Upper Limbs
Upper limbs include shoulders, arms,
elbows, wrists, and hands.
They help in reaching, holding, and
carrying things.
Each arm has a humerus, radius, and
ulna.
The wrist has small bones called
carpals.
The hand includes metacarpals and
phalanges.
Upper limbs are very flexible and useful
for fine tasks.
6. Lower Limbs
Lower limbs include hips, thighs, knees,
legs, ankles, and feet.
They support the body’s weight.
They help in standing, walking, running,
and jumping.
Each leg has a femur, tibia, and fibula.
The knee joint has a bone called the
patella.
JOINTS
Joints
Joints are places where two or more
bones meet, allowing movement and
providing flexibility.
They are essential for bodily motion
and help maintain posture and
coordination.
Movable Joints (Synovial)
These joints allow free movement in
various directions and contain
lubricating synovial fluid.
They are the most common type of
joint in the human body, especially in
limbs.
Hinge Joint
Moves in one direction like a door—
permits bending and straightening only.
Examples include the elbow and knee,
where bones move like a lever.
Ball and Socket Joint
Allows movement in all directions,
including full rotation.
Found in shoulder and hip joints,
offering the widest range of motion.
Pivot Joint
Enables rotation around a fixed axis,
like shaking your head “no.”
The joint between the first two neck
vertebrae is a classic example.
Gliding Joint
Allows bones to slide past each other
with limited, smooth motion.
Found in wrists and ankles, crucial for
small shifts and adjustments.
Slightly Movable Joint
Connected by cartilage, these joints
offer limited flexibility and support.
Seen in the spine and pelvis, they
balance strength with subtle motion.
GAITS OF
ANIMALS
Earthworm
Moves using peristaltic waves through
alternate contraction of circular and
longitudinal muscles.
Setae on each segment anchor the
body, allowing it to push forward in soil.
Slow, rhythmic crawling suited for
burrowing.
Snail
Uses a muscular foot and mucus
secretion to glide on surfaces.
Movement is slow and wave-like, called
creeping locomotion.
Fish
Swims using side-to-side body waves
and strong tail fin thrust.
Fins help with steering, balance, and
speed in water.
Uses lateral undulation, concertina, and
sidewinding gaits.
Muscles push the body against surfaces
to create motion without limbs.
Bird
Walks or hops using hind limbs and flies
with powerful wing flaps.
Flight involves lift, thrust, and balance
guided by feathers and tail.