Locomotion In Human Beings: Definition, Functions, Types, Importance, Topics

What is Locomotion?

Locomotion is defined as the ability of an organism, which enables it to move from one place to another place that is in need for its existence and daily activities.

So, to enable an animal to move from place to place, it is of the essence for the human activity intending to perform survival, to perform recreations like collecting food and escaping danger, and social contact, and has greatly influenced human evolution, especially the origin of human structure and behaviour.

Human Locomotor System – Components

The components of human locomotor systems are:

Skeleton

• The human skeletal system gives the body its framework and supports the muscles that are put into action for movement.

• The human skeletal system and how it provides the framework and structural anchorage to the applied muscles.

Muscles

• Muscles of the skeletal system, attached to various bones in the human body via tendons.

• A muscle has actin and myosin filaments that slide past each other.

Joints

• Joints play a role in the movement at the juncture of bones and provide the necessary flexibility and range of motion.

• Types of joints: Ball-and-socket joint(hip joints), hinge joint (knee joints), pivot joint, etc.

Role of Joints in Movement:

• They allow various movements like flexion-extension, rotation, etc. depending upon type and location.

• For example, the ball-and-socket hip joint allows the movements of flexion-extension, rotation and circumduction of the lower limb.

Mechanism of Locomotion

Understanding how we move means studying the detailed mechanisms underlying different modes of locomotion.

Walking

• Walking is the most common basic mode of human locomotion, relating to precision biomechanical processes.

• Muscular and skeletal adaptations: Foot arch structure, tendons elastic energy storage.

• Energy expenditure: Calculations of burnt calories per mile of walking.

Running

• Running is different from walking by being done at a higher speed and mechanics, which puts more energy and the need for extra effort into the muscles.

• With higher speed, the aerial phase pays the way for each stride.

• Impacts on joints and muscles: Higher loads on joints, changes in muscle fibre types (fast-twitch).

• Biomechanical efficiency: The influence of stride length and stride rate upon running economy.

Other Modes of Locomotion

• Humans show versatility in movement rather than walking on the surface of the land. Humans have adapted to walking on water, including climbing.

• Swimming: Buoyancy, streamlined body shape, and different stroke techniques.

• Climbing: Gripping adaptations of hands and feet, muscular strength required for vertical movement.

Neurological Control of Movement

The nervous system plays a very important role in movements including coordination and regulation, concerning both reflex and voluntary movements.

Role of CNS

Brain and spinal cord in control of voluntary and involuntary movements.

Reflex Movements

Instinctual reactions to stimuli, not requiring thought consciousness.

Voluntary Movements

Controlled and coordinated conscious brain mechanisms to begin and regulate.

Factors Affecting Human Locomotion

The factors affecting human locomotion are:

• With growth, maturity, and ageing processes, human beings have their locomotion undergo several drastic changes.

• Changes across the Lifespan: Developmental Stages Influencing Motor Skills.

• Ageing leads to loss in muscle mass, joint flexibility, and reaction times.

• Injuries and disorders can affect locomotion and hence mobility and quality of life.

• Common injuries like Sprains (injuries to the ligaments), fractures (breaks in the bones) and their effects on mobility.

• Disorders include but are not limited to rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, Parkinson's disease, and neurodegenerative disorders affecting motor control.

Locomotion NEET MCQs (With Answers & Explanations)

Important questions asked in NEET from this topic are:

• Types of Movement and Locomotion

• Neurological control of Movement

Practice Questions for NEET

Q1. Select incorrect statement

1. Skeletal muscles are closely associated with skeletal components of the body.

2. Skeletal muscles having stripped appearance.

3. Skeletal muscles are also called striated muscles.

4. None of these

Correct answer: 4) None of these

Explanation:

Skeletal muscles are closely associated with the skeletal components of the body. They have a striped appearance under the microscope and hence are called striated muscles.

Hence, the correct answer is option 4) None of these.

Q2. Due to deficiency of which hormone, bones become weak in females?

1. ACTH

2. TSH

3. Progesterone

4. Oestrogen

Correct answer: 4) Oestrogen

Explanation:

Oestrogen is secreted by the cells of Graafian (ovarian) follicles.

• It stimulates the development of female secondary sex characteristics during puberty and maintains them through the reproductive years of adult life.

• It also stimulates the maturation of the ova (in the ovaries) and the development of the uterine epithelium and the mammary glands.

• Its absence caused weak bones in females

Hence, the correct answer is option 4) Oestrogens.

Q3. Bones are hard because having

1. Bone marrow

2. Calcium salt

3. Collagen fibres

4. More than one correct

Correct answer: 4) More than one correct

Explanation:

Jawbones and limb bones have a very hard matrix primarily due to the deposition of calcium salts, such as calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. These minerals provide rigidity and strength, enabling these bones to withstand mechanical stress and support the body's structure while facilitating movement and essential functions like chewing.

Hence, the correct answer is option 4) More than one correct answer.

Also read:

• MCQs on Difference between Movement and Locomotion

• Ribs and Rib Cage

• 5 major functions of the skeletal system

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