Class
JSS2
Term
Third Term
Week
Week 2
Topic
The Human Skeletal System
Duration
40 Minutes
Instructional Materials
- Human skeleton model
- Charts showing the human skeleton
- Pictures of axial and appendicular skeleton
- Bones (real or artificial)
- Flash cards of different bones
- Video clips on the skeletal system
Reference Books
- NERDC Basic Science Curriculum for JSS
- STAN Basic Science for Junior Secondary Schools
- Evans Basic Science for Junior Secondary Schools
- Comprehensive Basic Science by A.O. Ogunniyi
Specific Objectives
At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
- Define the skeletal system.
- Explain the meaning of skeleton.
- Identify the major bones in the human body.
- State the divisions of the human skeleton.
- State the functions of the skeletal system.
- Explain the importance of bones to the body.
Introduction
The human body is supported by a framework of bones called the skeleton. The skeleton gives the body shape, supports body organs, and helps in movement.
Without the skeleton, the human body would be soft and unable to stand upright.
The study of bones is called Osteology.
Meaning of Skeleton
A skeleton is the hard framework of bones and cartilages that supports and protects the body.
Meaning of Skeletal System
The skeletal system is the body system made up of bones, cartilages, ligaments, and joints that support the body and enable movement.
Composition of the Human Skeleton
The human skeleton consists of:
- Bones
- Cartilages
- Ligaments
- Joints
Bones
Bones are hard and rigid structures that make up the skeleton.
An adult human being has 206 bones.
Cartilage
Cartilage is a tough and flexible tissue found at joints and some body parts.
Examples:
- Nose
- Ear
- End of long bones
Ligaments
Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect bones to bones.
Joints
Joints are places where two or more bones meet.
Divisions of the Human Skeleton
The human skeleton is divided into:
- Axial Skeleton
- Appendicular Skeleton
1. Axial Skeleton
The axial skeleton forms the central axis of the body.
It consists of:
a. Skull
The skull protects the brain and forms the structure of the face.
The skull consists of:
- Cranium (brain box)
- Facial bones
b. Vertebral Column (Backbone)
The vertebral column supports the body and protects the spinal cord.
It is made up of 33 vertebrae.
The vertebrae are grouped into:
| Region |
Number |
| Cervical vertebrae |
7 |
| Thoracic vertebrae |
12 |
| Lumbar vertebrae |
5 |
| Sacral vertebrae |
5 (fused) |
| Coccygeal vertebrae |
4 (fused) |
c. Rib Cage
The rib cage consists of:
- 12 pairs of ribs
- Sternum (breastbone)
Functions:
- Protects the heart and lungs
- Helps in breathing
2. Appendicular Skeleton
The appendicular skeleton consists of bones attached to the axial skeleton.
It includes:
a. Pectoral Girdle
Connects the upper limbs to the body.
It consists of:
- Clavicle (collar bone)
- Scapula (shoulder blade)
b. Upper Limbs
Major bones include:
- Humerus
- Radius
- Ulna
- Carpals
- Metacarpals
- Phalanges
c. Pelvic Girdle
Connects the lower limbs to the body.
Functions:
- Supports body weight
- Protects reproductive organs
d. Lower Limbs
Major bones include:
- Femur
- Patella
- Tibia
- Fibula
- Tarsals
- Metatarsals
- Phalanges
Functions of the Skeletal System
The skeletal system performs the following functions:
1. Support
It provides a framework that supports the body.
2. Protection
Bones protect delicate organs.
Examples:
- Skull protects the brain.
- Rib cage protects the heart and lungs.
- Vertebral column protects the spinal cord.
3. Movement
Bones work together with muscles to produce movement.
4. Shape and Structure
The skeleton gives the body its shape.
5. Blood Cell Production
Red bone marrow produces:
- Red blood cells
- White blood cells
- Platelets
6. Storage of Minerals
Bones store minerals such as:
Care of the Skeletal System
To maintain healthy bones:
- Eat calcium-rich foods.
- Exercise regularly.
- Maintain good posture.
- Avoid carrying heavy loads improperly.
- Avoid accidents and injuries.
- Get adequate sunlight for vitamin D.
Disorders of the Skeletal System
Some disorders include:
1. Fracture
A fracture is a break in a bone.
Causes:
- Falls
- Accidents
- Sports injuries
2. Rickets
A disease caused by deficiency of vitamin D and calcium.
Symptoms:
3. Arthritis
Inflammation of joints causing pain and stiffness.
Practical Activities
Activity 1: Observation of Skeleton Chart
Observe the chart and identify major bones.
Conclusion: The human skeleton is made up of many bones arranged systematically.
Activity 2: Counting Vertebrae
Use a chart to identify the five regions of the vertebral column.
Conclusion: The vertebral column is divided into different regions with specific functions.
Activity 3: Identifying Bones
Touch different parts of your body and identify the bones beneath.
Conclusion: Bones give support and shape to the body.
Conclusion
The human skeletal system is the framework of the body made up of bones, cartilages, ligaments, and joints. It supports the body, protects internal organs, enables movement, and stores minerals. The skeleton is divided into the axial and appendicular skeleton.
Evaluation
Answer the following questions:
- Define skeleton.
- What is the skeletal system?
- State the divisions of the human skeleton.
- Mention the components of the skeletal system.
- State five functions of the skeleton.
- Name the bones of the upper limb.
- What is the function of the rib cage?
- How many bones are in an adult human body?
- State three skeletal disorders.
- Explain how to care for the skeletal system.
Objective Questions
Choose the correct answer from A–D.
- The hard framework of the body is called ______.
A. muscle
B. skeleton
C. skin
D. tissue
Answer: B
- An adult human being has ______ bones.
A. 106
B. 206
C. 306
D. 406
Answer: B
- The skeleton is divided into ______ parts.
A. one
B. two
C. three
D. four
Answer: B
- The skull protects the ______.
A. lungs
B. heart
C. brain
D. liver
Answer: C
- The vertebral column protects the ______.
A. stomach
B. spinal cord
C. lungs
D. kidney
Answer: B
- The rib cage protects the ______.
A. heart and lungs
B. liver and stomach
C. kidney and bladder
D. eyes and ears
Answer: A
- The longest bone in the body is the ______.
A. tibia
B. fibula
C. femur
D. humerus
Answer: C
- Cartilage is found in the ______.
A. nose
B. liver
C. stomach
D. kidney
Answer: A
- Bones store ______.
A. vitamins only
B. minerals
C. water only
D. oxygen
Answer: B
- A break in a bone is called ______.
A. arthritis
B. rickets
C. fracture
D. sprain
Answer: C
Essay Questions
- Define the skeletal system and explain its functions.
- Differentiate between axial and appendicular skeleton.
- Describe the structure of the vertebral column.
- State the functions of bones in the human body.
- Explain three disorders of the skeletal system.
Assignment
- Draw and label the human skeleton.
- List ten major bones in the body and their functions.
- Explain how to maintain healthy bones.
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