Chapter Summary: Body Movements

Types of Movement in Animals

Animals move to find food and water, to escape from their enemies, to migrate to other places, and
to return to their shelters12.

Some animals, like corals and sea cucumbers, remain in one place. However, even these animals can
move their body parts1.

Most animals move from one place to another using various methods like walking, running, jumping,
hopping, swimming, flying, crawling, or gliding1345.

Invertebrates and Vertebrates

Animals are classified into two main groups based on the presence or absence of a backbone:

1.

Invertebrates: Animals that do not have a vertebral column (backbone) are called invertebrates4.
Examples: insects, snails, spiders, earthworms, crabs, starfish, and octopus4. Most invertebrates have
a hard external skeleton called an exoskeleton4. The tissues that help the body to move are attached
to the exoskeleton4. Some invertebrates, like earthworms, have fluid-filled body segments or
cavities that enable movement4.

2.

Vertebrates: Animals that have a backbone are called vertebrates6. The backbone is made up of
bones.

Human Skeletal System

The human skeleton consists of many bones. The adult human skeletal system is made up of 206
bones.

Functions of the Human Skeleton:

Provides structure and shape to the body and supports the head6.

Facilitates movement.

Protects the heart, the major blood vessels, lungs, and the spinal cord67.

Produces red blood cells in the bone marrow6.

Parts of the Human Skeleton:

The human skeleton is made up of the following main parts58:

Skull: The bony framework of the head, made up of 22 bones—8 bones form a structure called the
cranium, and 14 bones fuse to form the facial bones8. The cranium protects the brain8. Except for
the lower jaw, all bones in the human skull are fixed8. The lower jaw is movable and enables us to
eat food, talk, and perform other functions8.

Vertebral Column: A long column made up of 33 bones called vertebrae8. The vertebral column
runs from the base of the skull and continues down to the hips8. It provides the main skeletal
support to the body8. The vertebrae are separated by tough but flexible discs of a tissue called
cartilage, which makes the back flexible8.

Rib Cage: Made up of 12 pairs of ribs attached to the vertebral column at the back and the sternum
in front8. The last two pairs of ribs are attached only to the vertebral column at the back8. The rib
cage:

Plays a very important role in respiration9.

Protects the heart, the major blood vessels, and the two lungs79.

Bones of the Arms: Each arm has one long bone in the upper arm and two bones in the lower arm9.

Pectoral Girdle: Connects the upper limbs to the body9.

Bones of the Legs: Each leg has one long bone (the thigh bone) and two long bones in the lower leg.

Pelvic Girdle: Formed by two hip bones9. Our pelvic girdle bears the load of our upper body when
we are standing or sitting9. It also protects the reproductive and some of the excretory organs of our
body.

Did You Know?

At birth, the baby's skull can be compressed slightly because the skull bones are connected with
flexible tissues. These tissues help the baby at the time of birth. These tissues harden as the baby
grows.

Joints

A joint is a connection between two or more bones7. Joints help in the movement of the body10.

Types of Joints

There are two main types of joints in the human body:

1.

Movable Joints (Synovial Joints): These joints are surrounded by a thick fluid called the synovial
fluid. Synovial fluid acts like oil and lubricates the joints10. The cartilage and synovial fluid make the
movable surfaces of the bones at the joints wear-resistant10. There are many kinds of movable joints
in the human body, such as:

Ball-and-Socket Joint: One bone fits into a cup-like depression of the other bone10. This type of joint
allows movement in several directions710. Example: The joints in the legs at the hip and arms at the
shoulder are of the ball-and-socket type10.

Hinge Joint: Allows movement in only one direction, similar to the hinge of a door10. Example:
Knees and elbows have hinge joints10.

Pivot Joint: Allows the movement from side to side and to bend forward and back11. Example: The
skull is joined to the vertebral column in such a way that it rotates on the pivot-like upper end of the
vertebral column. The movement of the neck is due to the pivot joint11.

Gliding Joint: Have flattened bone parts that move against each other11. These joints enable body
parts to move sideways as well as back and forth11. Example: The wrists and ankles have gliding
joints11.
2.

Immovable Joints: These joints do not allow movement12. Example: The bones of the human skull
fuse with each other to form strong immovable joints called sutures2.

Movement in Some Animals

Animals move with the help of muscles and bones.

How do Earthworms Move?

The earthworm moves with the help of muscles and hair-like projections called bristles that are
present on the underside of its body. The bristles grip the ground, and the earthworm pushes itself
forward by contracting its muscles. It can move only a small distance with every move.

How do Snails Move?

Snails have a muscular foot that helps them move. The snail has a shell (outer skeleton) made of
calcium carbonate, which protects it.

The snail moves with the help of its sticky foot. The glands in the foot contract and expand, enabling
it to move forward. The snail moves on a trail of slimy mucus.

When the snail comes in contact with air, the mucus hardens and covers the path on which the snail
moves. This hardened mucus protects the snail even on sharp edges. You can often see these mucus
layers as silvery tracks in the garden.

How do Snakes Move?

Snakes move by gliding their bodies. Various kinds of snakes move in different patterns, which leave
their marks on the soil.

The underside of the body of a snake is covered with scales. These scales press to the ground and
help it to move forward.

How do Birds Fly?

Birds can fly because their bodies are adapted for flight1415.

The skeleton of a bird is made up of porous and hollow bones, which reduces its body weight14. The
streamlined shape of a bird’s body is designed for flying15.

To fly, birds have wings covered by feathers1416. The feathers provide a large surface area and aid in
flying16.

The tail fathers help in maintaining balance in flight16.

Birds fly by flapping their wings and gliding1416.

How do Bats Fly?

Bats are the only mammals that can fly14. Their wings are different from the wings of birds14.

Bats do not have feathers14.

The bones in the wings are elongated fingers and are connected by flaps of skin14.

How do Insects Move?

Most insects use two pairs of their three pairs of legs to walk and climb14.

Insects’ legs are attached to the thorax with the help of muscles14.

Insects have a hard external skeleton (exoskeleton)14. The exoskeleton of the legs enables them to
walk14.

Did You Know?

A tiny insect, the flea, can jump over 150 times its length14.

How do Fish Swim?

Fish are expert swimmers. They live in water, and their bodies are adapted to swim. Their
streamlined body shape helps them move fast in water.

Fish swim by bending their body and tail in quick succession.

Fish have fins which are supported by rays of cartilage and are attached to muscles. When they
move, the muscles on one side of their body contract, and the muscles on the opposite side relax.
This kind of motion produces a thrust that propels them forward.

The tail helps maintain balance.

The paired fins help in changing direction while swimming.

The webbed feet of ducks, the flipper-like wings of penguins, and large flipper-like front limbs of
turtles also help them swim.