Human Body and It's Movements

The human body has been through numerous changes in all these years of evolution. Even now, it is passing through development, although there are no remarkable changes when compared with our previous generations. This change is likely to be noticeable in the distant future, with years of transformation and adaptation taking place as a part of evolution.

Among these, one of the primary changes that have occurred in humans is their ways of movement and locomotion. The human body and its movements are now bipedal, and this makes us who we are today.

Therefore, students taking up this chapter initially might have numerous questions on how the changes took place. Hence, you should note here that the changes did not take place overnight or within a fortnight or even a year. It took millions of years to evolve to the form that you see yourself in now.

This image shows the evolution of human beings from primitive apes. Simultaneously, you can also see how the skull structure of humans changed over time. Additionally, we have also learnt how to stand on two legs,while the length of our hands have shortened.

Anatomy of Human Beings

Before delving deeper into the human body and its movements, students should know about the present anatomy of humans. By anatomy, it refers to the study of living structures.

Here is a detailed overview of the human anatomy for your convenience -

• Number of Bones

During birth, a baby has as much as 305 bones in his or her body. With years of growth in becoming an adult, an individual loses a few of them to come down to a total of 206 bones. 

• Body Shape

Bones are joined to one another in various ways called joints. For example, elbow, knee, ankle, etc. All of these are flexible and provide shape to the body.

• Body Structure

The skeleton is formed as a result of multiple joints and cartilages. A collection of bones provides a specific structure to a body irrespective of the outer muscle covering.

• Skull

Skull protects our brain and is formed by several bones being joined together. 

• Muscles

The outer covering of flesh present over the skeletal structure is called muscle. These muscles function to facilitate movement in a bone. These can be relaxed and contracted, based on the specific action and its need. 

Refer to this image below for clarity in understanding the human structure.

What are the Types of Joints in a Human Body

As already mentioned, the human body consists of several joints which hold the bones together. These joints provide us flexibility to move in different directions as well. The various types of joints are discussed below -

• Pivotal Joint

The head and neck are joined together with this joint. This helps in movement of the neck in different directions.

• Ball and Socket

It is found in shoulders and hip areas. This allows minimum movement and also contributes to maintaining a body structure.

• Fixed Joint

These are immovable joints found in the skull. They do not allow any kind of movement and only provide a definite shape. 

• Hinge Joint

This joint is present in elbows, knees, etc. to provide the necessary movements.

Therefore, you can see that joints play a vital role in shaping the human body as well as allowing different movements. Combining with muscles, they further facilitate easier movements as it contracts and relaxes. 

To know more about the human body and its movements, you can take help from our online learning programs. You can get a detailed explanation of the same along with adequately labelled diagrams. 

Our eminent faculties have prepared these study notes to provide students with in-depth learning. Also, you may download our Vedantu app to boost your exam preparation to a higher level.