Imagine that someone has just prepared your favorite snack
for a hungry group of people. He tells you to come quickly
before all the food is gone. Think about how quickly you
would move to get the snack.
You couldn't get to the snack without the help
of your skeletal system. Your skeletal system is
made of bones. It is also made of tissues that
connect bones to each other and to muscles.
You need all of these parts to help you move.
Let's take a closer look at these important parts
of your skeletal system.
Your skeleton holds you up and gives your
body its shape. It is made of strong bones held
together by muscles and connective tissues.
Connective tissue is a strong but flexible
material.
Some connective tissue attaches muscles to
bones. When you move these muscles, the
bones that are attached to them move, too. Other connective
tissue connects bones to other bones. Connective tissue
called cartilage is smooth and rubbery. You can feel
cartilage in your ears and nose. Cartilage coats the ends of
some bones where they meet, such as in your knees.
Joints are places where bones meet. In some joints, bones
join tightly together. Most bones in your head fit together
like puzzle pieces. There is no movement between these
bones.
Some joints allow bones to move in many directions. Your
shoulders and hips help your arms and legs move many
ways. Other joints, such as knees and elbows, allow
movement in just a few directions. Connective tissue and
muscles help hold bones together at joints.
In joints that allow movement, the ends of bones must be
smooth so they don't grind together. Smooth cartilage
covers the ends of these bones. This helps the bones slide
easily against each other.
Discovery Education Science
© 2007 Discovery Communications, LLC
Page 1 of 2
Move Those Bones
Now let's look again at how your skeletal system helps you
get a snack. Bones and joints in your hips, knees, and feet
help you walk. Bones and joints in your shoulders, elbows,
and hands help you grab the snack. Your jawbone moves to
help you chew the food. Different connective tissues help
connect muscles and bones and cushion your joints.
Your bones need minerals such as calcium to keep them
strong. So, next time you get a snack, wash it down with a tall
glass of milk. It's just what your skeleton needs to stay
healthy and strong!
Discovery Education Science
© 2007 Discovery Communications, LLC
Page 2 of 2