1.1 Describe the gross structure of the human skeleton and explain how this relates to its functions.

Student Name 

Diploma Title 

Subject Group:  

Unit title: 

The Human Skeletal and Muscular Systems

Unit Code: 

WNI081

Unit Status

Graded 

Credit Value 

3

Assessor Name:

Assignment Number (if applicable)

Assignment Title

Date set:  

31st March 2026

Submission Date and Time: 

28th April 2026

Draft permitted (Y/N)/deadline  

Method of Submission 

Date Submitted: 

Approved Late Submission Date 

I confirm that the submitted assignment is my own work (if submitted as a group project, those sections relating to my contribution are clearly identified and represent my own work). Where appropriate, I have acknowledged / referenced all public sources of information, including AI-generated information, in accordance with the requirements of accepted academic conventions (as identified within the Centre policy on academic referencing)

Signature of student:

Date of submission:

Learning Outcome 

Assessment criteria applied to this assignment* 

1. Understand the function of the human skeletal system.

1.1 Describe the gross structure of the human skeleton and explain how this relates to its functions. 

1.2 Describe 3 different types of joints and explain the importance of their properties. 

1.3 Describe the structure of a synovial joint and explain the roles of the component parts. 

1.4 Explain the properties and functions of tendons, ligaments and cartilage.      

2. Understand the function of the human muscular system.

2.1 Describe and compare the properties of 3 different types of muscle and explain the sliding filament hypothesis of muscle contraction. 

2.2 Explain how antagonistic muscles bring about extension and flexion of either the elbow joint or the knee joint.            

3. Understand the importance of maintaining the health of the muscular and skeletal systems. 

3.1 Analyse the effects of bad posture on the muscular and skeletal systems.

3.2 Analyse the effects of poor lifting techniques on the muscular and skeletal systems. 

3.3 Evaluate the effects of one skeletal disease on the healthy functioning of the skeletal system. 

Grading Standard

To achieve a Merit:

The student’s work or performance

To achieve a Distinction:

The student’s work or performance

Grading standard 1

Knowledge and Understanding

a. generally demonstrates the ability to apply knowledge appropriately in a given context showing breadth OR depth of knowledge in responding to the demands of the unit,

with

b. a very good understanding and use of:

• concepts
• facts
• ideas

a. consistently demonstrates the ability to apply knowledge appropriately in a given context showing breadth OR depth of knowledge in responding to the demands of the unit,

with

b. an excellent understanding and use of:

• concepts
• facts
• ideas

Grading standard 2

Subject Specific Skills

a. generally demonstrates an ability in selecting and using skills as required by the unit,

with

b. very good levels of:

• efficiency
• creativity
• insight

a. consistently demonstrates an ability in selecting and using skills as

required by the unit,

with

b. excellent levels of:

• efficiency
• creativity
• insight

Grading Standard 3

Transferable Skills

a. demonstrates very good communication and/or presentation skills evidenced by the use and/or selection of:

• format
• grammar
• imagery
• paralanguage

b. demonstrates autonomy and/or independence evidenced by a very good ability to:

• manage time
• conduct independent research

c. generally adheres to academic conventions in use of specialist language and format in responding to the instructions set out in the assignment brief

  a. demonstrates excellent communication and/or presentation

skills evidenced by the use and/or selection of:

• format
• grammar
• imagery
• paralanguage

b. demonstrates autonomy and/or independence evidenced by an excellent ability to:

• manage time
• conduct independent research

c. consistently adheres to academic conventions in use of specialist language and format in responding to the instructions set out in the assignment brie

Assignment Task Description (mapped to assessment criteria)

Assessment     criteria

Produce a written report that covers the following:

1. A description of the human skeletal structure, to include Axial skeleton (skull, vertebrae, ribs and sternum) and appendicular skeleton (bones and extremities). 

2. An explanation of how the structure of the skeletal system relates to its function.

3. A description of synovial, cartilaginous and fibrous joints and an explanation for the importance of their properties

4. A description of the structure of a synovial joint and an explanation of the roles of the component parts.   Description should include the bone surface, synovial membrane, articular cartilage and the synovial fluid.

5. An explanation for the properties and functions of tendons, ligaments and cartilage

6. A comparison and description of cardiac, skeletal and smooth muscles

7. An explanation of the sliding filament theory of muscle contraction

8. An explanation of how antagonistic muscles bring about extension and flexion of either the elbow joint or the knee joint.

The advisory word count for this section is 2000 words.

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1.1

1.2

1.3

1.4

2.1

2.1

2.2

2. A local warehouse facility has analysed its absence records and identified an increase in absences due to muscular and skeletal complaints and conditions. You have been asked to design an information poster informing the staff working on the shop floor and in the offices about how bad posture and poor lifting can impact the muscular and skeletal system.

The information poster must:

1. Analyse the effects of bad posture on the muscular and skeletal systems. Examples of bad posture should be provided and linked to the effects referred to.

2. Analyse the effects of poor lifting techniques on the muscular and skeletal systems

The information poster must be informative, concise and coherent with images and minimum text.

The advisory minimum size for the poster is A3

3.1

3.2

3. With reference to the provided case studies, write a report evaluating the effects of the patient’s disease on the healthy functioning of their skeletal system. 

You must include the pathophysiology of the disease and its links to the effects on the functioning of the patient’s skeletal system.

1. Patient ID : ACF34

   • 50-year-old female started feeling unbearable pain her hips and knee joints, 15 weeks ago. Due to alcohol misuse, she was diagnosed with liver disease around the age of 30. She was previously diagnosed with liver disease. Patient experienced early menopause around the age of 40.

2. Patient ID : GRA45

   • 20-year-old woman started feeling pain in finger joints 12 weeks ago, making it difficult to conduct daily activities. She also had swelling in ankles and stiffness in the shoulders. Blood tests indicated high levels of inflammatory markers. Patient is on a healthy diet and exercises regularly. She smokes on average 10 cigarettes a day.

References must be included.

Advisory word count is 500.

3.3