Lesson 8 of 15
Bones, muscles and joints
Show on a big screenBend your elbow. Swing your arm. Two different joints, places where bones meet, do these.
Loading lab…
Step 1 of 3
- Bone gives the body its shape.
- A muscle pulls on bone, joined by a tendon.
- A ligament joins bone directly to bone, at the joint.
Rule
A joint is where bones meet. Muscles pull on bones through tendons. The kind of joint decides which movements are possible.
- Joint — a place where two or more bones meet.
| Joint | Movement | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Ball and socket | Every way | Shoulder |
| Hinge | One direction | Elbow, knee |
| Pivot | Turning | Neck |
| Fixed | None | Skull |
The backbone is a stack of small bones with cartilage between them. The cartilage lets the backbone bend a little. The ribs protect the heart and lungs.
Posture is how you sit and stand. Exercise, good posture and food keep bones strong and muscles fit.
Try the lab to finish this lesson.