Designing the Chassis: Muscles

Do you think the chassis of a car could move without tires and wheels to push the car forward? No. Your body's skeleton is the same way. Without muscles, your skeleton would just lie there. In fact, without muscles, your body would not be able to survive.

Types of Muscles and Connective Tissue

When you think of muscles, you might think of bodybuilders, weightlifters, athletes, and other people who are fit and strong; however, you have muscles in your body that you may not even realize are muscles. Take a closer look at the various muscle types and connective tissues that are responsible for your body's movement, structure, and basic functions. Click the player button to begin.

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Body Movement and Muscles

Skeletal muscles are attached to bones, and they drive the movement of those bones. Muscles are categorized one way by their particular jobs. Take a look by moving your cursor over the parts of the image below.

Joints

Like muscles, joints are essential for moving the bones of our bodies. Think of a door. You can move the door by pulling or pushing on it, but without a door hinge or joint, the door would not have the range or space to move. In this interactivity, you will learn more about joints, how they work with muscles, and the movement they allow the body. Click the player button to get started.

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Muscles Review

Now that you have learned how your joints and muscles work together, review your knowledge in this non-graded activity. Click the player button to get started.