Chapter

Chapter 14 : Support and Locomotion in Humans and Animals

What will you learn in this chapter

In this chapter, we will learn about the different types of skeletons of humans and animals: hydrostatic, exoskeleton, and endoskeleton. We will discuss why skeletons are necessary for support and locomotion. Next, we will explore the musculoskeletal system of humans, focusing on the bones that make up the axial and appendicular skeleton. We will also learn about the different types of vertebrae in the backbone, such as cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and caudal vertebrae. We will then study movement and locomotion, specifically the mechanisms involved in the human forearm and leg during walking. Additionally, we will briefly discuss locomotion mechanisms in animals.
Lastly, we will examine health issues related to the human musculoskeletal system, including osteoporosis, osteomalacia, rickets, arthritis, and scoliosis. We will also discuss practices that can help maintain a healthy musculoskeletal system.