HOW DO WE MOVE?

Understanding the parts of the body that create movement.

WE’VE ALREADY AGREED THAT:Dance is Movement of the Body, but it’s extremely important to understand just how the body is capable (and not capable) of moving.

THE HUMAN BODY The Human Body is a collection of

complex systems that control and execute all of our bodily functions.

We are only concerned with a few … the ones that work to help us move.

The Nervous SystemThe Skeletal System

The Muscular System

THE NERVOUS SYSTEM Consists of

The BrainThe Spinal CordNerves

Your Body’s communication system. Sends messages to all your other systems including messages to move.

THE SKELETAL SYSTEM The Frame work

of your body. Comprised of

over 200 bones. When you are

born you have around 300 bones but as you grow many of these fuse together.

OTHER PARTS THAT MOVE The spine (or backbone) consists of 33

irregularly shaped bones called vertebrae.

Fibrous cartilage between vertebrae called intervertebral discs act as shock absorbers and allow the back to move.

This is how you can bend at the waist and twist side to side to side.

THE MUSCULAR SYSTEM Muscles are tissues in

the body that are designed to contract.

There are three different types of muscles: Skeletal Muscles Cardiac Muscles Smooth Muscles

Some muscles are involuntary-meaning they move on their own and you can not consciously control them.

THESE SYSTEMS ALL WORK TOGETHER TO CREATE MOVEMENT You decide to

move. The Brain sends a

message to the appropriate body parts.

The muscles contract or relax causing the desired movement.

Muscles are connected to bone by tendons.

Bones are connected to each other by ligaments.

Bones only move at certain places called joints.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF JOINTS

Muscles and joints work better when they are warmed up. Blood flow increases lowering stress on the heart. Increased muscle temperature allows the muscles

to contract more forcefully and relax more quickly. Improved range of motion around joints. Increased body temperature results in greater

muscle elasticity. Can improve endurance and conversion of

carbohydrates and fatty acids into energy. Warm ups are also an excellent way to focus your

mind and energy for what you are about to do.

IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TO WARM UP BEFORE YOU DO ANY DEMANDING EXERCISE. THIS WILL HELP PREVENT INJURY!!!