(a) List four functions of.the mammalian skeleton and name a particular part of the skeleton which performs each of these functions.
(b) Briefly describe how muscles and bones bring about movement at the elbow.
(c) How is support provided for in each of the following plants? (i) Herbaceous plants (ii) Woody plants.
(d) Name one vitamin and one mineral element necessary for healthy development of bones.
Explanation
(a) Functions of the mammalian skeleton include:
(I) Supports it posture and provides to the body e.g. backbones/ vertebrae/pelvic girdle
(ii) It gives protection — e.g. ribcage protects heart/lungs/cranium(skull) protects brain/vertebrae protects spinal cord/pelvic girdle protects female reproductive organs.
(iii) The skeleton helps in the production of blood cells — in the bone/marrow of the long bones
(iv) Storage of calcium is also encourage, e.g., in the bone matrix
(v) Movement/locomotion is enhanced. — any of the limb bones
(vi) Breathing movements — Riles
(vii) Attachment of muscles is facilitated — any bone
(viii) Provision of shape-axial skeleton/grindles etc
(b) Bones and muscles bring about movement at the elbow in the following ways:
(i) Bicep and tricep act antagonistically to bring about movement at the elbow. The bicep is attached to the scapula and radius; while the tricep are attached to the scapula and ulna
(ii) Bicep contracts while tricep relaxes to cause bending/flexing of the forearm
(iii) Tricep contracts while bicep relaxes to cause straightening of the forearm.
(c) Support in herbaceous and woody Plants can come in different ways:
(i) Herbaceous Plant:
(1) By turgidity, water is preserved
(2) Due to the presence of water, vacuoles inside parenchyma cells/living cells
(3) Thickening of walls of collenchyma cell (at the corners).
(ii) Woody Plant:
(1) Sclerenchyma in the cortex
(2) By the Xylem strengthened by deposits of lignin in their walls
(2) Secondary growth/thickening provides extensive wood / secondary xylem and bark.
(d) The vitamin and mineral element necessary for healthy bone development are:
(1) Vitamin — D/Calciferol, Vitamin C (forms the cement of bow)
(2) Mineral elements — calcium/phosphorus/magnesium.