Skeletal System

The skeleton gives our body shape and support. If we did not have bones, which of the following would be most difficult for us to do?

• Sitting upright on a chair without collapsing

• Wearing clothes of different colors

• Listening to music

Maya was playing basketball. She suddenly fell and protected her head with her hands. Which bone mainly keeps her brain safe from injury?

• skull

• ribs

• pelvis

The rib cage plays a very important role in our body. What is its main function?

• To protect the heart and lungs inside the chest

• To help us see objects clearly

• To make blood in the bone marrow

Long bones such as the femur help us carry our body weight. Why is the femur considered the strongest bone?

• It is connected to the skull

• It supports the whole upper body and allows walking and running

• It is made of metal and does not break

Joints connect bones together. Which activity best shows how joints help us move?

• Watching television while lying down

• Bending your knee to kick a football

• Smelling a flower in the garden

When one muscle pulls on a bone, the opposite muscle relaxes. What does this teamwork allow us to do?

• To sleep for longer hours

• To move our body in different directions

• To stop breathing

Why is exercise important for both bones and muscles?

• It makes them stronger and keeps our body healthy

• It allows us to never eat vegetables again

• It changes our bones into metal

Which of these examples shows good care of bones and muscles?

• Carrying a heavy bag every day with only one shoulder

• Eating food rich in calcium and playing outdoors

• Sleeping all day without moving

Blood cells are made in the bone marrow and mostly a long bone. Which bone produces many blood cells in children?

• Femur

• Skull

• Phalanges

Which of the following situations explains why strong bones are important?

• A boy is able to climb a tree and jump down safely.

• A cat is drinking milk.

• A flower is growing in the soil.