The skeleton holds the body off the ground and keeps its shape and helps in movement. Many bones of the skeleton act as levers. When muscles pull on these bones, they produce movements such as the raising of the ribs during breathing or chewing action of the jaws and flexing of the arms. For a skeletal muscle to produce movement, both its ends need to have a firm attachment. The skeleton provides suitable points of attachment for the ends of muscle. The skeletal muscles which are firmly attached to the bones play very important role in the support of skeleton.
For example; the muscle that lie at the back hold the backbone and head in place. The diaphragm, a muscular sheet that divides the body cavity into two parts, is attached to the lowest rib bones. The muscles of the diaphragm and those connecting the ribs to each other, collectively forms part of the rib cage and are responsible for breathing. The limbs are connected to the girdles by muscles, which are also responsible for their movement. The upper arms and thighs have muscles that are able to close and open the elbow and knee. The forearms and shanks have muscles that are responsible for the movement of hands and feet. Numerous muscles control the manipulation of the fingers and toes.
For example; the muscle that lie at the back hold the backbone and head in place. The diaphragm, a muscular sheet that divides the body cavity into two parts, is attached to the lowest rib bones. The muscles of the diaphragm and those connecting the ribs to each other, collectively forms part of the rib cage and are responsible for breathing. The limbs are connected to the girdles by muscles, which are also responsible for their movement. The upper arms and thighs have muscles that are able to close and open the elbow and knee. The forearms and shanks have muscles that are responsible for the movement of hands and feet. Numerous muscles control the manipulation of the fingers and toes.
