CBSE Class 6 Science NCERT Solutions: Chapter 8 Body Movements

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 6 PDF

This chapter, "Body Movements," for CBSE Class 6 Science, delves into the fundamental mechanisms that enable movement in living organisms. The NCERT Solutions provide clear explanations and answers to questions covering the roles of bones, muscles, and joints. Students will learn about different types of joints, including movable and immovable ones, and how muscles and skeletons work together. The solutions also explore the unique ways various animals like snails and earthworms move, highlighting adaptations such as muscular feet and the absence of skeletons. Understanding these concepts is crucial for grasping the biomechanics of life and forms a key part of the Class 6 Science curriculum, aiding students in their exam preparation by clarifying complex topics with step-by-step explanations.

Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 6
SubjectScience Exemplar
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 8

Chapter summary

Chapter 8, "Body Movements," focuses on the essential components that facilitate movement in humans and animals. The NCERT Solutions cover the functions of the skeletal system and muscles, the types of joints (hinge, ball-and-socket, immovable), and how they enable diverse body actions. It also examines locomotion in organisms like snails and earthworms, contrasting their movement strategies with those of humans. This chapter is vital for understanding the biological basis of movement.

Learning outcomes

  • Identify the roles of bones, muscles, and joints in body movement.
  • Differentiate between movable and immovable joints.
  • Explain how muscles and skeletons work together for locomotion.
  • Describe the movement mechanisms of different animals like snails and earthworms.
  • Understand the function of specific joints like the hinge joint in the elbow.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Body Movements
  • Bones and Skeleton
  • Muscles
  • Joints
  • Types of Joints
  • Movable Joints
  • Immovable Joints
  • Movement in Animals
  • Snail Movement
  • Earthworm Movement
  • Hinge Joint
  • Ball and Socket Joint

Important topics

  • Role of Bones and Muscles in Movement
  • Types of Joints (Movable and Immovable)
  • Mechanism of Movement in Humans
  • Locomotion in Snails and Earthworms
  • Hinge Joint Function

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

Which of the following parts of our body help us in movement?
  1. Bones
  2. Skin
  3. Muscles
  4. Organs
Choose the correct answer from the options below:
  1. (i) and (iii)
  2. (ii) and (iv)
  3. (i) and (iv)
  4. (ii) and (iii)
Solution: Option (a) is correct because (i) Bones and (iii) Muscles are the primary parts of our body that help in movement. Bones form the skeleton, providing structure and leverage, while muscles contract and relax to pull on the bones, causing motion. Skin and internal organs are not directly involved in locomotion.

Question 2

Which of the following joints is immovable?
  1. Shoulder and arm
  2. Knee and joint
  3. Upper jaw and skull
  4. Lower jaw and upper jaw
Solution: Option (c) is correct. The joint between the upper jaw and the skull is an immovable joint, also known as a fixed joint. This type of joint does not allow any movement, which is essential for protecting the brain and facial structures. Joints like the shoulder and knee are movable joints.

Question 3

Which of the following organisms does not have both muscles and skeleton for movement?
  1. Dog
  2. Snail
  3. Earthworm
  4. Human being
Solution: Option (c) Earthworm is the correct answer. Earthworms move using the contraction and relaxation of two sets of muscles, one that makes the body long and thin, and another that makes it fat. They do not possess a skeleton. Dogs and humans have an internal skeleton (endoskeleton) and muscles. Snails have an exoskeleton (shell) and muscles.

Question 4

Underwater divers wear fin-like flippers on their feet to:
  1. swim easily in water
  2. look like a fish
  3. walk on water surface
  4. walk over the bottom of the sea (sea bed).
Solution: Option (a) is correct. Fin-like flippers increase the surface area of the diver's feet. When the diver moves their feet, the flippers push against the water, generating a force that propels them forward, making swimming much easier and more efficient underwater.

Question 5

Snail moves with the help of its:
  1. shell
  2. bone
  3. muscular foot
  4. whole body.
Solution: Option (c) is correct. Snails move using a strong, muscular foot located on their underside. This foot can extend and contract, and it often secretes a slimy mucus that reduces friction, allowing the snail to glide smoothly over surfaces.

Question 6

How many muscles work together to move a bone?
  1. One
  2. Two
  3. Three
  4. Four
Solution: Option (b) is correct. Muscles work in pairs to move bones. When one muscle contracts to move a bone in one direction, another muscle in the opposing group relaxes. To move the bone back, the second muscle contracts, and the first one relaxes. Therefore, at least two muscles are needed to move a bone back and forth.

Question 7

Name the type of joint of your hand which helps you to grasp a badminton racket.
Solution: The type of joint in your hand that helps you grasp a badminton racket is the hinge joint, located in your elbow, and the ball-and-socket joint in your shoulder, along with other smaller joints in the wrist and fingers that allow for fine manipulation. However, the primary grasping action involves the bending and straightening facilitated by the hinge joint in the elbow and the rotational and flexible movements provided by the ball-and-socket joint in the shoulder and the joints in the fingers and wrist.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing the roles of muscles and bones in movement.
  • Incorrectly identifying types of joints.
  • Assuming all organisms use a skeleton for movement.
  • Not understanding the role of muscle contraction and relaxation.

Revision tips

  • Draw diagrams of different joints and label the bones and muscles involved.
  • Compare and contrast the movement methods of various animals discussed.
  • Create flashcards for key terms like 'skeleton', 'muscles', 'tendons', and 'joints'.
  • Practice explaining how a specific movement, like bending your elbow, occurs.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Which of the following parts of our body are essential for movement?

Q2. Which type of joint allows for no movement?

Q3. Which organism among the following moves without a skeleton?

Q4. Why do underwater divers wear flippers on their feet?

Q5. How does a snail move?

Frequently asked questions

What are the main components responsible for body movement in humans?

The main components responsible for body movement in humans are the bones, which form the skeleton, and the muscles, which contract and relax to move the bones.

Can you give an example of an immovable joint in the human body?

Yes, the joints between the bones of the upper jaw and the skull are examples of immovable joints.

How do earthworms move if they don't have a skeleton?

Earthworms move using two sets of muscles. By contracting and relaxing these muscles, they can change their body shape and length, allowing them to move.

What is the function of a muscular foot in a snail?

A snail's muscular foot extends and contracts to help it move along surfaces. It often secretes mucus to create a slippery track for smoother locomotion.

What is the purpose of flippers for underwater divers?

Flippers increase the surface area of the diver's feet, allowing them to push more water and swim more efficiently and easily underwater.

How do muscles help in moving bones?

Muscles are attached to bones by tendons. When muscles contract (shorten), they pull on the bones, causing movement at the joints. Muscles can only pull, not push.

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