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The spinal column contains many smaller bones called vertebrae.

Skeletons

Skeletons give shape and support to our bodies. In KS2 Science, pupils discover how bones and joints work together to protect organs and allow movement.

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Fascinating Fact:

Bones protect important organs such as the skull protecting the brain and the ribcage protecting the heart and lungs.

In KS2 Science, pupils learn how skeletons do three main jobs: giving the body structure, protecting organs, and allowing movement with the help of muscles and joints.

Key Terms

Skeleton: The framework of bones that supports and shapes the body.
Joint: The place where two bones meet, allowing movement.
Cartilage: A flexible tissue that cushions joints and helps bones move smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What are the main functions of a skeleton?

The skeleton supports the body, protects important organs, and helps with movement by working with muscles and joints.

How many bones are in the human body?

Adults have 206 bones, but babies are born with more. Some of these fuse together as they grow.

Why are joints important in the skeleton?

Joints are important because they allow bones to move. Without joints, skeletons would be rigid and unable to bend or rotate.

Try These Related Quizzes

1 .

Which organ does the cranium protect?

The liver

The heart

The brain

The lungs

The cranium is another name for the skull

2 .

Which device allows us to see bones inside a living animal?

A digital scanner

An X-ray or MRI machine

A photocopier

A microscope

If a doctor thinks you may have a broken bone you might have to have an X-ray

3 .

What does the spinal column contain?

Bones called invertebrates

One long, flexible bone

Two bones - a neck bone and a back bone

Many smaller bones called vertebrae

Vertebrae is a plural. One of them is called a vertebra

4 .

Which part of the human skeleton protects the heart?

The cranium

The scapula

The sternum

The clavicle

Another name for the sternum is the breastbone

5 .

What is the function of the skeleton?

To protect vital organs

To allow movement

To support the body

All of the above

The skeleton protects vital organs, supports the body and allows it to move

6 .

Skeletons aid movement in animals, but they can't move on their own. What else is needed?

Joints and muscles

Muscles and tendons

Tendons and cartilage

Cartilage and joints

Joints allow the skeleton to bend while muscles provide the power to move

7 .

Which of the following statements is not true?

Bones are living tissue

Exercise helps bones to become stronger

Good nutrition helps bones to become strong

Bones do not grow

Your skeleton grows just as the rest of your body does - can you imagine what would happen if a baby's bones never grew?

8 .

What is another name for the clavicle?

Collarbone

Skull

Shoulder blade

Shin

The shoulder blade is also known as the scapula

9 .

What is an invertebrate?

An animal whose skeleton is made of cartilage

An animal without a spine

An animal with a backbone

An animal without a skeleton

An invertebrate is an animal without a spine while a vertebrate has a spine

10 .

What is an exoskeleton?

A weak skeleton

An external skeleton

A skeleton without joints

An internal skeleton

Humans and other mammals have an endoskeleton - an internal skeleton. An exoskeleton is the opposite - an external skeleton. Animals such as spiders, insects, crabs and lobsters have exoskeletons

You can find more about this topic by visiting BBC Bitesize - What does your skeleton do?

Author: Sheri Smith (PhD English Literature, English Teacher & Quiz Writer)