C15 - Functions of the skeleton

Question 1

What are the 5 functions of the skeleton

Answer 1

support

muscle attachment

protection

red blood cell production

Calcium store

Question 2

how does the skeleton support the body

Answer 2

limbs are attached to girdles on an upright spine

and the ribcage and sternum support the thorax

Question 3

how does muscle attach to bone

Answer 3

tendons join skeletal muscles to bone

one end of the muscle is known as the origin, and the other end is known as the insertion moves when the muscle contracts

the insertion is usually further from the axis of the body

Question 4

how does the skeleton protect the body

Answer 4

skeleton is strong, rigid protection for many internal organs preventing damage

Question 5

how is the skeleton involved in the production of red blood cells

Answer 5

bone marrow contains haemopoietic stem cells and these cells can divide into red blood cells via a process known as haemopoiesis

Question 6

How is the bone a calcium store

Answer 6

70% of the bone is made up of hydroxy apatite of which 40% is calcium ions