Types of Human Body Movements and Joint Functions
The human body has been through numerous changes in all these years of evolution. Even now, it is passing through development, although there are no remarkable changes when compared with our previous generations. This change is likely to be noticeable in the distant future, with years of transformation and adaptation taking place as a part of evolution.
Among these, one of the primary changes that have occurred in humans is their ways of movement and locomotion. The human body and its movements are now bipedal, and this makes us who we are today.
Therefore, students taking up this chapter initially might have numerous questions on how the changes took place. Hence, you should note here that the changes did not take place overnight or within a fortnight or even a year. It took millions of years to evolve to the form that you see yourself in now.
This image shows the evolution of human beings from primitive apes. Simultaneously, you can also see how the skull structure of humans changed over time. Additionally, we have also learnt how to stand on two legs,while the length of our hands have shortened.
Anatomy of Human Beings
Before delving deeper into the human body and its movements, students should know about the present anatomy of humans. By anatomy, it refers to the study of living structures.
Here is a detailed overview of the human anatomy for your convenience -
Number of Bones
During birth, a baby has as much as 305 bones in his or her body. With years of growth in becoming an adult, an individual loses a few of them to come down to a total of 206 bones.
Body Shape
Bones are joined to one another in various ways called joints. For example, elbow, knee, ankle, etc. All of these are flexible and provide shape to the body.
Body Structure
The skeleton is formed as a result of multiple joints and cartilages. A collection of bones provides a specific structure to a body irrespective of the outer muscle covering.
Skull
Skull protects our brain and is formed by several bones being joined together.
Muscles
The outer covering of flesh present over the skeletal structure is called muscle. These muscles function to facilitate movement in a bone. These can be relaxed and contracted, based on the specific action and its need.
Refer to this image below for clarity in understanding the human structure.
What are the Types of Joints in a Human Body
As already mentioned, the human body consists of several joints which hold the bones together. These joints provide us flexibility to move in different directions as well. The various types of joints are discussed below -
Pivotal Joint
The head and neck are joined together with this joint. This helps in movement of the neck in different directions.
Ball and Socket
It is found in shoulders and hip areas. This allows minimum movement and also contributes to maintaining a body structure.
Fixed Joint
These are immovable joints found in the skull. They do not allow any kind of movement and only provide a definite shape.
Hinge Joint
This joint is present in elbows, knees, etc. to provide the necessary movements.
Therefore, you can see that joints play a vital role in shaping the human body as well as allowing different movements. Combining with muscles, they further facilitate easier movements as it contracts and relaxes.
To know more about the human body and its movements, you can take help from our online learning programs. You can get a detailed explanation of the same along with adequately labelled diagrams.
Our eminent faculties have prepared these study notes to provide students with in-depth learning. Also, you may download our Vedantu app to boost your exam preparation to a higher level.
FAQs on Human Body and Its Movements Explained
1. What are the main parts of the human body that work together to create movement?
The primary systems responsible for movement in the human body are the skeletal system and the muscular system. The skeleton provides a rigid framework of bones, while muscles contract and pull on these bones to produce movement. Joints are the crucial connection points between bones that allow for flexibility and motion.
2. What are the different types of movable joints as per the CBSE syllabus, and what is an example of each?
The human body has several types of movable joints that allow for a wide range of actions. The main types explained in the curriculum are:
- Ball-and-Socket Joint: Allows movement in multiple directions. For example, the shoulder and hip joints.
- Pivotal Joint: Allows for rotational movement. An example is the joint between the neck and the head, which lets us turn our head.
- Hinge Joint: Allows for back-and-forth movement, similar to a door hinge. The elbow and knee joints are prime examples.
3. What is the difference between movement and locomotion? Provide an example for each.
Movement refers to the change in position of any part of the body, which may or may not result in a change of location. An example is blinking your eyes or tapping your fingers. In contrast, locomotion is the movement of the entire body from one place to another, such as walking, running, or swimming.
4. What is the human skeleton, and what are its most important functions?
The human skeleton is the internal framework of the body, composed of all the bones. Its key functions are crucial for survival and daily activity. It provides a definite shape and structure to the body, protects vital internal organs (like the skull protecting the brain and the rib cage protecting the heart and lungs), and serves as an attachment point for muscles, thereby enabling movement.
5. How do muscles actually create movement? Can bones move on their own?
Bones cannot move on their own; they are passive structures. Movement is created when muscles contract. Muscles are attached to bones via tendons and typically work in pairs. When one muscle in the pair contracts, it pulls on the bone, causing it to move. The other muscle in the pair then relaxes. For example, to bend your arm, your bicep muscle contracts while your tricep muscle relaxes.
6. What is the importance of having different types of joints? Why can we bend our knee but not our skull?
The type of joint determines the type and range of movement possible. Our knee has a hinge joint, designed specifically for bending and straightening, which is essential for walking. In contrast, the bones of the skull are connected by fixed joints (sutures) that do not allow any movement. This is critically important for protection, as these immovable joints form a solid case to shield the delicate brain from injury. Different functions in the body require different levels of mobility.
7. What is cartilage and why is it important in the skeletal system?
Cartilage is a firm but flexible connective tissue that is not as hard or rigid as bone. It serves several important functions in the skeletal system. It covers the ends of bones at the joints, acting as a smooth, shock-absorbing surface to reduce friction and allow easy movement. Cartilage also provides shape to certain body parts, such as the ears and the tip of the nose.
8. How would our body's movement be limited if our backbone was a single, straight bone instead of a chain of vertebrae?
If the backbone were a single, rigid bone, our movement would be severely restricted. We would be unable to bend forward, backward, or sideways. The spine's structure, consisting of 33 individual bones called vertebrae linked by flexible cartilage discs, is what gives our torso its incredible flexibility. This design allows us to twist, bend, and absorb shock while walking or running, actions that would be impossible with a single, fused bone.
