Functions of the Skeletal System

There are totally 206 bones in our body and basic function of skeletal system is to provide base for the entire organs and underlying tissues of the body. Based on the type of its location, human skeleton is divided into two parts namely axial skeleton (body bones) and appendicular skeleton (bones of arms and legs).

The functions of skeletal system can be summarized as follows :

Shape :

The bones give shape to the body and it is the skeletal system that determines a person to be tall or short. The structure of hands and legs is based on the growth of bones.

Support :

The skeletal system offers support to the entire body and holds all the internal organs erectly. It is the spinal cord which makes your body to stand erect. The bones are designed to include every organ within them. You can see the skull contains and offers support to brain, the chest contains the heart and lungs inside and the abdomen contains gastro intestine and other organs inside.

Movement :

You are able to walk and run only because of the stretching of muscles and pulling together of bones. Hence the shape of the skeletal system aids in the movement of muscular tissues along with several body parts with comfort. It is the small bones in the hands which helps in precise holding of pen and the bones in the legs facilitates holding of shoes. Hence we are able to make meticulous movement only because of the skeletal system and rigid shape of the bones.

Protection :

It is because of the skeletal system that holds the internal organs; our body is protected from damage and external injury. The thorax bone consists of ribs and sternum offers protection to the underlying heart.

Similarly the brain is kept safe inside the cranium and the vertebral column protects the millions of spinal nerves safely.

Pictures of Functions of the Skeletal System :

Images, Pics, Pictures and Photos of Functions of the Skeletal System

Production of blood cells :

Finally the bone is responsible for producing blood cells. On average, bone marrow produces around 2.6 million Red Blood Cells every second. Any problem in the bone marrow causes depletion of red blood cells causing anemia and severe complications. In addition, the bones acts as a store-house storing several important minerals like calcium and phosphorous. Whenever the body requires these minerals, the bone releases them into the blood thus balancing the mineral contents in the body.

When you become old, certain red bone marrow changes its color into yellow bone marrow. They store adipose cells which is a vital source of chemical energy to the body.