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There are three types of muscle tissue. Cardiac muscle, skeletal muscle and smooth muscle. Muscle type Voluntary or Involuntary Characteristics Cardiac Involuntary The muscle found only in the heart. Consists of striated (striped) muscle fibres. Under unconscious control (autonomic nervous system). Skeletal Voluntary The muscles attached to bones. Consists of striated muscle fibres. Under conscious […]

There are six main types of synovial joints and each type is labelled based on its structure and movement potential. Name Location Movement Potential Ball and socket Shoulder and hip Flexion, extension, horizontal flexion and extension, internal and external rotation, circumduction, adduction and abduction. Hinge Elbow and knee Flexion and extension. Pivot Neck and forearm […]

Synovial joints are the most freely movable joints that we have in our bodies. Although there are six different types of synovial joints they all share the same characteristics. Hyaline / articular cartilage Covers the ends of bones to act as a shock absorber and prevent friction. Ligaments Connects bone to bone and enhances joint […]

There are three types of joint in the human skeleton and they are classified according to their degree of movement. Fibrous joints These are immovable joints with interlocking bones, e.g the plates in the skull. Cartilaginous joints These joints are slightly moveable and connected by ligaments, e.g the bones of the vertebrae. Synovial joints These […]

Neutral spine The term ‘neutral spine’ describes the position of the spine when all four of the natural curves are present and aligned. When the spine is in this neutral position the stress on the passive structures of the spine (vertebrae and ligaments) is minimal and the risk of strain or injury to the lower back […]

The spine is formed from 33 irregular bones that give the spine four natural curves. Two concave curves (lumbar and cervical), and two convex curves (thoracic and sacral). Each region of the spine has a different number of bones. Region Number of bones Range of movement Cervical 7 Contains seven irregular bones and capable of […]

When referring to the movements that occur at a joint, fitness professionals if they have done their homework use the following joint movement terminology. Abduction – away from the midline of the body Adduction – towards the midline of the body. Circumduction – circular or cone shaped movement available at ball and socket joints. Depression […]

Bone is living tissue mainly made up of a protein called collagen but it also contains minerals and salts. Inside the bone there are living cells: Osteoblasts (cells that help form bone) Osteoclasts (cells that help eat away old bone) Osteocytes (mature osteoblasts that have ended their bone forming role) The actual process of bone formation is called ossification. During ossification, […]

To help us identify bones they have been classified according to their shape. There are five bone classifications that all bones come under.   Long Bones A long bone is a bone that is longer than its width, such as the femur, humerus, ulna, radius, tibia, fibula, metacarpals, metatarsals, and phalanges.   Short Bones A […]

Skeletons are not just for freaking people out on halloween! The skeleton in fact has six really important functions.   Shape To provide a bony framework for the body and to give it shape. Protection To support and protect certain vital internal organs. For example the cranium protects are extremely precious brains. Movement To act […]