A2 - functions of the skeletal system

Question 1

Support

Answer 1

• collectively your bones provide shape and provide supporting framework for the soft tissues of the body

Question 2

Protection

Answer 2

• the bones surround and protect vital tissues and organs (flat bones)
  cranium = brain
  ribcage = heart and lungs
  vertebral column = spinal cord
  pelvis = abdominal and reproductive organs

Question 3

Attachment for skeletal muscle

Answer 3

• bones provide a surface for your skeletal muscles to attach to, allowing movement
• tendons M-B
• muscles pull on bones and create levers (creating movement)

Question 4

Sources of blood cell production

Answer 4

• bones are hollow
• blood vessels feed the center of your bones, and stored within the bones is ‘bone narrow’
• the marrow of your long bones is continually producing red and white blood cells
• red blood cells die every minute

Question 5

Storage of minerals

Answer 5

• bones is a reservoir for minerals such as calcium and phosphorus (essential for bone growth and maintenance of bone health)
• these minerals are stored and released into the bloodstreams as required (balancing the minerals in your body)

Question 6

Leverage

Answer 6

• the bones provide a lever system against which muscles can pull to create movement (long bones)

Question 7

Weight bearings

Answer 7

• the bones are very strong and will support the weight of your body (including all tissues and muscles) (short bones)
• during sport large forces are applied to your body and your skeleton provides the structural strength to prevent injury

Question 8

Reduction of friction across joints

Answer 8

• the skeleton is made of many different joint types
• synovial joints secrete fluid (synovial fluid) that prevents bones from rubbing together, reducing fiction between the bones (sesamoid bones)