Anatomy and Physiology for Grade 10

1. Skeletal System

The skeletal system is the framework of the body, providing support, protection, and movement. It consists of bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. Bones are the primary components and are classified into two types: long bones and short bones.

Long Bones

Long bones, such as the femur and humerus, are characterized by their length and are primarily involved in movement. They have a shaft (diaphysis) and two ends (epiphyses) that articulate with other bones. Think of long bones as the pillars of a building, providing structural support and allowing movement.

Short Bones

Short bones, like those in the wrist (carpals) and ankle (tarsals), are smaller and provide stability and support. They are often found in areas where fine motor skills are required. Imagine short bones as the foundation stones of a bridge, providing stability and support without being too large.

2. Muscular System

The muscular system is responsible for movement, maintaining posture, and generating heat. It consists of three types of muscles: skeletal, smooth, and cardiac. Skeletal muscles are the focus here as they are voluntary and attached to bones.

Skeletal Muscles

Skeletal muscles are attached to bones by tendons and work in pairs to move the bones. They are striated, meaning they have a striped appearance under a microscope. Think of skeletal muscles as the engines of a car; they provide the power needed for movement and action.

Muscle Contraction

Muscle contraction involves the sliding of actin and myosin filaments within the muscle fibers. This process is regulated by calcium ions and ATP (adenosine triphosphate). Imagine muscle contraction as a zipper; the actin and myosin filaments slide past each other, pulling the zipper together to create movement.

3. Cardiovascular System

The cardiovascular system, also known as the circulatory system, is responsible for transporting blood, nutrients, oxygen, and waste products throughout the body. It consists of the heart, blood vessels (arteries, veins, and capillaries), and blood.

Heart

The heart is a muscular organ that pumps blood through the circulatory system. It has four chambers: two atria and two ventricles. The right side of the heart pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs, while the left side pumps oxygenated blood to the rest of the body. Think of the heart as a pump in a water system; it ensures that water (blood) is circulated efficiently throughout the network.

Blood Vessels

Blood vessels are the pathways through which blood flows. Arteries carry oxygenated blood away from the heart, veins carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart, and capillaries facilitate the exchange of gases and nutrients between blood and tissues. Imagine blood vessels as roads in a city; arteries are the highways, veins are the return roads, and capillaries are the local streets that connect to homes (cells).

Understanding these key concepts of anatomy and physiology provides a foundation for appreciating how the body functions and how physical activity impacts these systems.