Understanding Skeletal Muscles

What does 'skeletal' mean?

• Of the skeleton

• Of the heart

• Of the skin

• Of the muscles

Answer explanation

The term 'skeletal' refers specifically to anything related to the skeleton, which is the framework of bones in the body. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Of the skeleton'.

How do skeletal muscles move body parts?

• By vibrating bones

• By rotating bones

• By pulling bones

• By pushing bones

Answer explanation

Skeletal muscles move body parts by pulling on bones. When a muscle contracts, it shortens and pulls the attached bone, creating movement. This is why the correct answer is 'By pulling bones'.

To move your arm upwards, your biceps has to ​ (a)   and ​ (b)   your arm up and your triceps has to ​ (c)   . These are called ​ (d)   and muscles have to work in pairs because they cannot ​ (e)   bones.

• contract

• relax

• antagonistic muscles

• pull

• push

• extend, contract, synergistic muscles, lift, drop

• squeeze, release, complementary muscles

• tighten, loosen, opposing muscles, raise, lower

Answer explanation

To move your arm upwards, your biceps must contract to pull your arm up, while your triceps must relax. These are called antagonistic muscles, as they work in pairs; one muscle pulls while the other pushes.

What are antagonistic muscles?

• Muscles that relax together

• Muscles that push bones

• Muscles that pull in opposite directions

• Muscles that work together

Answer explanation

Antagonistic muscles are pairs of muscles that pull in opposite directions. When one muscle contracts, the other relaxes, allowing for coordinated movement. This is why the correct answer is 'Muscles that pull in opposite directions'.

Which muscles are involved in moving the elbow?

• Biceps and triceps

• Hamstrings and quadriceps

• Deltoids and pectorals

• Gluteus and calves

Answer explanation

The biceps and triceps are the primary muscles responsible for moving the elbow. The biceps flex the elbow, while the triceps extend it, making them essential for elbow movement.

Label the muscles in the arm

a

b

Biceps

Triceps

What happens when you curl your arm?

• Triceps contract and biceps relax

• Both biceps and triceps relax

• Biceps contract and triceps relax

• Both biceps and triceps contract

Answer explanation

When you curl your arm, the biceps contract to lift the forearm while the triceps relax to allow this movement. This coordinated action enables the flexion of the elbow joint.

What is the role of tendons?

• Connect skin to muscles

• Connect muscles to muscles

• Connect bones to bones

• Connect muscles to bones

Answer explanation

Tendons are connective tissues that specifically connect muscles to bones, allowing for movement. This makes 'Connect muscles to bones' the correct answer, as it accurately describes the primary function of tendons.

What is the function of ligaments?

• Connect muscles to muscles

• Connect skin to muscles

• Connect bones to bones

• Connect muscles to bones

How many bones are in the human body?

• 300

• 206

• 200

• 100