Skeletal: Functions of the skeletal system Flashcards
Support
Bones give you shape and provide supporting framework for the soft tissue in your body
Protection
Bones surround and protect vital organs.
Eg pelvis protects reproductive organs and cranium protects your brain.
Source of blood cell production
Blood vessels feed the centre of your bone, bone marrow is stored within.
This continually produces red and white blood cells
Store of minerals
Bones hold minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, essential for bone
growth and health. These minerals are released into the blood
Attachment
Your skeleton provides a surface for muscle attachment. Tendons attach
muscles to bone. Muscles contract and pull on bones.
Leverage
The bones provide a lever system against which muscles contract, and pull to
create movement
Weight bearing
Bones are strong to support your weight. Large forces are applied to your body
and your skeleton is strong to prevent injury
Reducing friction across a joint
The skeleton has many different types of joint; synovial joints secrete fluid that
prevents bones rubbing together, reducing friction.