1.1.1

Musculoskeletal Structure

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Bones

There are 4 classifications (types) of bone:

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Long bones

  • The humerus and femur are examples of long bones.
  • Long bones are found in limbs (arms or legs). They are used for movement, shape, blood cell production and mineral storage.
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Short bones

  • The carpals and tarsals are examples of short bones.
  • Short bones are found in the hands and the feet. They are used for shape and small movements.
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Flat bones

  • The scapula, sternum and cranium are examples of flat bones.
  • Flat bones are found near vital (important) organs. They are mainly needed for protection.
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Irregular bones

  • The vertebrae are examples of irregular bones.
  • They are used for small movements and protection.

Tendons and Ligaments

There are tendons and ligaments in our body.

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Tendons

  • Tendons connect muscle to bone.
    • E.g. the Achilles tendon connects your calf muscle with your ankle bone.
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Ligaments

  • Ligaments connect bone to bone.
    • E.g. the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) connects the shin bone (tibia) with the thigh bone (femur).

Carpals and Tarsals

Carpals and tarsals are examples of short bones.

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Carpals

  • Carpals or metacarpals are bones in the hand.
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Tarsals

  • Tarsals or metatarsals are bones in the foot.
    • You can remember this because 'tarsals', like 'toes', starts with a 't'.

Jump to other topics

1Applied Anatomy & Physiology

2Movement Analysis

3Physical Training

4The Principles of Training

5Using Data

6Sports Psychology

7Socio-cultural Influences

8Health & Fitness

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