Skeletal and Muscular Systems Worksheet

Question 1

List three major functions of the skeletal system.

Accepted Answer

Three major functions of the skeletal system are supporting the body, protecting internal organs, and helping the body move with muscles. The skeletal system also stores minerals and makes blood cells in bone marrow.

Question 2

Explain how muscles and bones work together to move an arm.

Accepted Answer

Muscles and bones work together because muscles are attached to bones by tendons. When a muscle contracts, it pulls on a bone and causes the arm to move at a joint.

Question 3

Name the tissue that connects muscle to bone and describe its job.

Accepted Answer

The tissue that connects muscle to bone is a tendon. Its job is to attach muscles to bones so the pull of a contracting muscle can move the skeleton.

Question 4

A student says that bones are not living tissue because they feel hard and dry. Explain why this statement is incorrect.

Accepted Answer

This statement is incorrect because bones are living tissue. Bones contain cells, blood vessels, and marrow, and they can grow, repair themselves, and respond to changes in the body.

Question 5

Describe the difference between a tendon and a ligament.

Accepted Answer

A tendon connects muscle to bone, while a ligament connects bone to bone. Tendons help create movement, and ligaments help stabilize joints.

Question 6

Why is the skull an important part of the skeletal system?

Accepted Answer

The skull is important because it protects the brain from injury. It also supports the face and helps form the structure of the head.

Question 7

Identify the type of muscle that is attached to bones and explain whether it is voluntary or involuntary.

Accepted Answer

The type of muscle attached to bones is skeletal muscle. Skeletal muscle is voluntary because people can control most of its movements consciously.

Question 8

What is a joint, and why are joints important for movement?

Accepted Answer

A joint is a place where two or more bones meet. Joints are important because they allow the skeleton to bend, rotate, and move in different ways.

Question 9

Compare the job of the rib cage with the job of the vertebral column.

Accepted Answer

The rib cage mainly protects the heart and lungs, while the vertebral column protects the spinal cord and supports the body. Both are parts of the skeletal system that help with protection and support.

Question 10

Explain why muscles usually work in pairs, such as the biceps and triceps.

Accepted Answer

Muscles usually work in pairs because one muscle contracts while the other relaxes to move a bone in one direction, and then they switch roles to move it back. This pairing allows controlled movement at joints.

Question 11

How does bone marrow help the body?

Accepted Answer

Bone marrow helps the body by making blood cells. Red marrow produces red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets that are important for oxygen transport, immunity, and clotting.

Question 12

A person injures a ligament in the knee. Based on the job of ligaments, explain how this injury could affect movement.

Accepted Answer

A ligament injury in the knee could make movement painful and less stable because ligaments help hold bones together at a joint. If a ligament is damaged, the knee may not stay aligned properly during movement.

Skeletal and Muscular Systems

Skeletal and Muscular Systems

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