Locomotion In Human Beings

All the living organisms exhibit a special characteristic feature of moving the whole or a part of the body from one place to another.

What is Locomotion?

Various kinds of motions such as walking, running, jumping, swimming, etc. by the body is known as locomotion.  

Movement is one of the characteristic features of all the living organisms. Locomotion helps us to move from place to other. In general, animals require locomotion for defence, searching for food and shelter.

Explore more: Types Of Body Movement

The locomotory movement is the coordinated movement of various bones, tissues and joints such as cartilage, muscles, bone, ligaments, and tendons, etc.   

Also Read: Difference Between Locomotion and Movement

Types of Muscles in the Human Body

There are three types of muscles in the human body based on the contractibility, elasticity, excitability, and extensibility. They are as explained below-

Skeletal Muscles

They are also called voluntary muscles and are under the control of the human body. These are usually present in the different parts of the body such as the body wall, legs, neck, face, etc. They are also found attached to bones through the tendons. These tendons help in the movement. These are striated muscle fibres. These skeletal muscles are mainly responsible for the movement and locomotion in the human body.

Explore More: Skeletal Muscles 

Smooth muscles

Smooth muscles are also called involuntary muscles and controlled by the autonomic nervous system. These smooth muscles consist of a non-striated, slender type of tapering fibres. These muscles are found in the walls of the internal organs such as reproductive tract, blood vessels, alimentary canal,  etc.

Also Read: Difference between Voluntary and Involuntary Muscles

Cardiac muscles

The cardiac muscles consist of muscle fibres which are in short and striated form. The cardiac muscles are in the form of the branch and are found in the heart of the body. These muscles are also called involuntary muscles.

Also Read: Muscular System

Skeletal System in Human Body

The skeletal system provides structural framework to the body and provides definite shape. The skeletal system provides protection to internal organs. The main function of the skeletal system is to help the body in the locomotion and movement.

Also Refer: Skeletal muscle

Functions of Skeletal System in Locomotion and Movement

The skeletal system plays a vital role in the locomotion and movement. The coordinated movement of skeletal muscles, bones, ligaments help in locomotion.

• The skeletal system provides a definite shape and posture to organisms
• They provide a structural framework
• It imparts protection to the internal organs that are delicate such as the spinal cord, Human brain, and the lungs
• It assists the body in the locomotory movements from one place to another
• The skeletal system also helps in the breathing process by the movement of the sternum and the ribs

Also Read: Types Of Body Movement

Learn more in detail about the Locomotion, movements, locomotory organs of different animals or any other related topics at BYJU’S Biology