Appendicular Skeleton and Muscle System

Subject : Biology

Question:

Movements occur when the appendicular skeleton works independently of the muscular system.

A. True

B. False

Expert Verified Solution: B. False

Explanation:

Movements in the body, including those involving the appendicular skeleton (which includes the limbs and their attachments to the axial skeleton), cannot occur independently of the muscular system. Here’s why:

Muscle Contraction and Movement: Movement is fundamentally the result of muscle contractions. Muscles work by contracting and pulling on bones, which act as levers. The appendicular skeleton, which comprises the bones of the arms, legs, and their attachments (shoulder and pelvic girdles), relies on muscles to facilitate movement. Without muscle contraction, bones would remain stationary.

Muscle-Bone Interaction: The muscles attached to the appendicular skeleton exert force on the bones, causing them to move at the joints. For instance, when you want to lift your arm, muscles like the deltoid contract and pull on the humerus (the upper arm bone), resulting in the desired movement.

Integrated System: The skeletal and muscular systems work together as an integrated system. The appendicular skeleton provides the structure and support for limbs, while the muscular system enables movement by contracting and exerting force on these bones. Therefore, the appendicular skeleton cannot function in isolation for movement; it requires the muscular system to operate effectively.

Movement cannot occur when the appendicular skeleton works independently of the muscular system. The two systems are interdependent, with muscles driving the movement of the bones in the appendicular skeleton.