Types of Body Movement: Anatomy, Physiology, Types

What Are Body Movements?

Body movements are motions or actions that a human body can execute with the help of its muscles, bones, and joints. These movements form an essential and inseparable part of everyday life, sports, and good health.

It comprises movements that help humans to interact with their environment, which includes walking and reaching, but also highly athletic manoeuvre and expressive gestures. This requires complex coordination between the muscles, bones, and joints, reflecting the dynamic possibilities of the human body.

Knowing these movements not only enhances physical performance but also, more importantly, serves the purposes of joint mobility, protection from injury, and general well-being. As we go on to discuss body movements in detail, we understand how we move around and work against the forces of nature to live and pursue our activities.

Types of Joints Involved in Movements

The types of joints are described below:

Joint Components

The components of joints are:

Articular cartilage: Provides a smooth surface for joint movement.

Synovial fluid: Lubricates joints and absorbs shock

Joint capsule & Ligament: Provides stability and limits excessive movement.

Types of Body Movements

Coming towards the mechanics of human movement, we get started with

Flexion and Extension

• Flexion is a decrease in the angle between two parts of the body, such as bending of the elbow.

• Extension is the opposite, that is, increasing the angle. for example, straightening of the elbow.

• Important in walking, lifting, and most sports-related movements.

Abduction and Adduction

• Abduction refers to moving a part of the body away from the midline, such as raising arms sideways.

• Adduction brings it back toward the midline.

• Muscles like deltoids and pectoralis major are involved in abduction and adduction.

Rotation

• Medial rotation turns a body part toward the midline. For example, rotation of the thigh inland.

• Lateral rotation moves it away. For example, rotating the thigh outward.

• Examples: Hip and shoulder joints allow large amounts of rotational movement.

Circumduction

• A combination of flexion, extension, abduction and adduction that moves the bone in a circular motion (e.g. arm circles).

• Important for actions such as swimming and throwing.

Special Movements

• Pronation and Supination

• Dorsiflexion and Plantarflexion

• Inversion and Eversion

Muscles and Movements

Muscles and movements are:

• Many muscles act in various movements.

• Biceps and triceps in flexion and extension.

• Quadriceps and hamstrings in knee movements.

Biomechanics and Functional Importance

Biomechanics and functional importance of movements is discussed below:

• Bones, joints, and muscles all work together to create fluid motions.

• The ligaments and tendons give stability and control.

• Range of Motion: The idea of flexibility and strength obtained by exercises avoids injuries and builds excellence in sports.

Body Movement in Other Animals

Different animals have adopted different mechanisms to move their bodies depending on their environment and body shapes. The main modes of movement in animals are as follows:

Amoeboid Movement

Amoeba is a unicellular creature; it moves around in its environment by creating outgrowths of the plasma membrane, which are pseudo-podia. Human white blood cells move through the tissue in a similar manner using amoeboid movement.

Ciliary Movement

Many small aquatic animals, such as paramecium, use tiny hair-like structures called cilia to move by whipping in coordinated waves. Cilia are also found in cells of the human respiratory tract, where they help facilitate the movement of mucus.

Flagellar Movement

Some organisms, including bacteria and sperm cells, employ flagella, which look like whip-like tails, to propel themselves through fluids.

Muscular Movement

Most multicellular animals including vertebrates as man are moving by contractions of muscles. Muscular movements are used by limbs in walking, running or flight. In fish, muscular movement in tails and fins is used in swimming while in birds chest muscles provide the power in flying.

Hydraulic Movement

Some species, such as starfish, use a water vascular system. They make themselves move by changing the flow of pressure through their tube feet, expanding and then contracting these to travel around surfaces.

Types of Body Movements NEET MCQs (With Answers & Explanations)

Important questions asked in NEET from this topic are:

• Types of body movement in humans

• Biomechanics and functional importance of movements

Practice Questions for NEET

Q1. The cells of the human body that show amoeboid movement include

1. Thrombocytes

2. Mast cells

3. Leukocytes
   

4. Both b and c

Correct answer: 4) Both b and c

Explanation:

Mast cells: During inflammation or allergic reactions, these immune response-related cells may migrate much like amoeboids.

White blood cells, or leukocytes, include neutrophils, monocytes, and macrophages. They are distinguished by their capacity to migrate amoeboid as they move through tissues to infection or damage sites.

Amoeboid mobility is absent from thrombocytes (platelets).

Hence, the correct answer is option 4) Both b and c.

Q2. Movement of human limbs, jaws, tongue, etc. require

1. Ciliary Movement

2. Amoeboid movement

3. Transitional movement

4. Muscular movement

Correct answer: 4) Muscular movement

Explanation:

Movement of human limbs, jaws, tongue, and other body parts requires the coordinated action of muscles, which contract and relax to generate force and motion. These movements are supported by the skeletal system, providing structure and leverage, and are controlled by the nervous system, which sends signals to the muscles. The joints play a crucial role in allowing flexibility and a range of motion.

Hence, the correct answer is option 4) muscular movement

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 Types of Body Movements in Human Body

• Ribs and Rib Cage

• 5 major functions of the skeletal system

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