GCSE PE - 8

GCSE PE - 8

1. Function of the Skeleton

   • Protection
     • The Ribs protect the Heart and Lungs and the Cranium protects the Brain.
   • Shape
     • It gives framework.
       • Eg. Basketball player - long, thin skeleton.
       • Eg. Jockey - small, thin skeleton.
   • Support
     • Firm, rigid and keeps us upright.
   • Movement
     • Skeleton has 'anchor point' to which muscles attach and act as levers.
       • Long bones help creates the leverage to apply the force.
   • Blood Production
     • Red and white blood cells are produced in the long bones.

2. Bones

   • Long Bones
     • Humorous and Femur.
   • Shot Bones
     • Carpals and Tarsals.
   • Flat Bones
     • Cranium, Scapula and Sternum.
   • Irregular Bones
     • Patella and Vertebrae (odd shaped bones)

3. Sections of the Vertebrae

   • 1. Cervical
     • 7 vertebrae forms the neck and allows movement at the top of the spine.
   • 2. Thoracic
     • 12 vertebrae. 10 are attached to ribs and help movement whilst breathing.
   • 3. Lumbar
     • 5 large and robust vertebrae. This area allows most movement.
   • 4. Sacrum
     • 5 vertebrae which become fused together in adulthood.
       • They form part of the pelvic girdle.
   • 5. Coccyx
     • 4 vertebrae here, all fused together.

4. Development of Bones

   • Bones start off as cartilage and then become bone by the process of Ossification.
     • Ossification is the development of bone from cartilage. It occurs throughout childhood until adulthood.
   • Bones have a tough outer layer called the 'Periosteum'.
   • As development continues there are 3 centres of ossification:- in the 'Diaphysis' (middle) and 'Epiphyses' (end).
     • Diaphysis is the middle of the bone (shaft).
     • Epiphyses is at the end of the bone (end section).
       • Epihysis is on the top of the bone (growth plate).