Chapter 8: Our Skeletal System and the Skin
Solved textbook questions with step-by-step explanations.
Grade 6 Q&A: Chapter 8: Our Skeletal System and the Skin
Welcome to the Questions and Answers section for Grade 6 Environmental Studies (Part One), Chapter 8: "Our Skeletal System and the Skin." This chapter takes us on an exciting journey inside the human body, exploring the incredible skeletal system that provides support and protection, and the versatile skin, our body's largest organ. We will learn about the different types of bones, how they connect at joints, and the various functions of the skin, along with the importance of caring for these vital systems.
Important Questions and Answers
Q1: What is the skeletal system?
Answer: The skeletal system is the framework of bones in our body that provides support, gives shape, protects internal organs, and helps in movement.
Q2: How many bones are there in an adult human body?
Answer: An adult human body has 206 bones.
Q3: What are the main parts of the human skeletal system?
Answer: The main parts of the human skeletal system are the skull, the rib cage, the backbone (vertebral column), and the bones of the limbs (arms and legs).
Q4: What is the function of the skull?
Answer: The skull protects the delicate brain inside our head.
Q5: What is the function of the rib cage?
Answer: The rib cage protects important internal organs like the heart and lungs.
Q6: What is the backbone (vertebral column) made of? What is its function?
Answer: The backbone is made up of a series of small bones called vertebrae. It supports the body, allows us to stand upright, and protects the spinal cord.
Q7: What are joints? Why are they important?
Answer: Joints are places where two or more bones meet. They are important because they allow movement of different parts of the body.
Q8: Name two types of joints and give an example of each.
Answer:
- Hinge joint: Allows movement in one direction, like a door hinge. Example: Elbow joint, knee joint.
- Ball and socket joint: Allows movement in all directions. Example: Shoulder joint, hip joint.
Q9: What is the largest organ of the human body?
Answer: The skin is the largest organ of the human body.
Q10: What are the main functions of the skin?
Answer: The main functions of the skin include protecting the body from germs and injury, regulating body temperature, sensing touch, pain, and temperature, and producing Vitamin D when exposed to sunlight.
Q11: How does the skin help in regulating body temperature?
Answer: The skin helps regulate body temperature through sweating (which cools the body as sweat evaporates) and by controlling blood flow to the surface.
Q12: What is the outermost layer of the skin called?
Answer: The outermost layer of the skin is called the epidermis.
Q13: Why is it important to have strong bones?
Answer: It is important to have strong bones because they support our body, allow movement, protect vital organs, and store minerals like calcium.
Q14: How can we keep our bones strong and healthy?
Answer: We can keep our bones strong and healthy by eating a diet rich in calcium and Vitamin D (like milk, dairy products, green leafy vegetables), and by doing regular exercise.
Q15: What is the importance of sunlight for our bones?
Answer: Sunlight helps our body produce Vitamin D, which is essential for the absorption of calcium, a mineral crucial for strong bones.
Q16: How can we take care of our skin?
Answer: We can take care of our skin by bathing regularly, keeping it clean, protecting it from excessive sun exposure, and eating a healthy diet.
Q17: What is the role of muscles in movement?
Answer: Muscles are attached to bones and work with the skeletal system. They contract and relax to pull on bones, causing movement at the joints.
Q18: What is cartilage?
Answer: Cartilage is a flexible connective tissue found in various parts of the body, such as the nose, ears, and between bones at joints, providing cushioning and support.
Q19: How does the skin protect us from germs?
Answer: The skin acts as a physical barrier, preventing harmful bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms from entering our body.
Q20: What are sweat glands?
Answer: Sweat glands are small glands in the skin that produce sweat, which helps in cooling the body through evaporation.
Q21: What is the function of hair on our skin?
Answer: Hair on our skin provides insulation, helps in sensing touch, and protects the scalp from sun and cold.
Q22: Why do we feel pain when our skin is injured?
Answer: We feel pain when our skin is injured because the skin contains nerve endings that send signals to the brain, alerting us to potential damage and prompting us to protect the injured area.
Q23: What happens to our bones as we grow older?
Answer: As we grow older, our bones become stronger and harder. However, in old age, bones can become weaker and more brittle if not properly cared for.
Q24: What are the benefits of good posture for the skeletal system?
Answer: Good posture keeps the bones and joints in proper alignment, reduces stress on ligaments and muscles, and helps prevent back pain and other skeletal problems.
Q25: How does the skin help us sense our surroundings?
Answer: The skin contains various receptors that help us sense touch, pressure, temperature (hot and cold), and pain, allowing us to interact with and understand our surroundings.
Q26: What is the difference between voluntary and involuntary muscles?
Answer: Voluntary muscles (like those in our arms and legs) are those we can control consciously, while involuntary muscles (like those in the heart or stomach) work automatically without our conscious control.
Q27: How does the skeletal system provide protection?
Answer: The skeletal system protects vital internal organs; for example, the skull protects the brain, and the rib cage protects the heart and lungs.
Exercise Solutions
Q1: Fill in the blanks.
- The framework of bones in our body is called the skeletal system.
- An adult human body has 206 bones.
- The skull protects the brain.
- The largest organ of the human body is the skin.
- Joints allow movement of the body parts.
Q2: Match the pairs.
(Note: As an AI, I cannot create interactive matching. I will provide the correct pairs.)
- Skull - Protects the brain
- Rib cage - Protects heart and lungs
- Backbone - Supports the body
- Hinge joint - Elbow
- Ball and socket joint - Shoulder
Q3: True or False.
- Bones are soft. False
- The skin helps in regulating body temperature. True
- We should not expose our skin to sunlight. False
- Muscles are attached to bones. True
- The backbone is made of a single bone. False
Q4: Answer the following questions.
- What are the functions of the skeletal system?
Answer: The skeletal system provides support, gives shape to the body, protects internal organs, and helps in movement. - Name the main parts of the human skeletal system.
Answer: The main parts are the skull, the rib cage, the backbone (vertebral column), and the bones of the limbs (arms and legs). - What are the functions of the skin?
Answer: The functions of the skin include protection from germs and injury, regulation of body temperature, sensing touch and pain, and producing Vitamin D. - How can we keep our bones and skin healthy?
Answer: We can keep our bones healthy by eating calcium and Vitamin D rich food and exercising. We can keep our skin healthy by bathing regularly, keeping it clean, and protecting it from excessive sun.
Q5: Give reasons.
- Our bones are hard.
Reason: Our bones are hard because they are made up of minerals like calcium and phosphorus, which provide strength and rigidity, allowing them to support the body and protect organs. - The skin is called the largest organ of the body.
Reason: The skin is called the largest organ of the body because it covers the entire external surface of the body, having the largest surface area and weight compared to any other organ. - We should exercise regularly.
Reason: We should exercise regularly because it helps in strengthening our bones and muscles, improves flexibility, maintains a healthy weight, and boosts overall physical and mental well-being.
References
- Maharashtra State Board Environmental Studies (Part One) Standard Six Textbook (2015 Edition) - Chapter 8: Our Skeletal System and the Skin.
- Maharashtra State Board 6th Standard Environmental Studies Syllabus.
- Balbharati Environmental Studies Part 1 Textbook.