Functions of the Skeletal System:
We all know that the skeleton is a very important part of our body, but except for it's obvious functions, what else does the skeletal system do for our body?
Provides Structure
The first function of the skeleton, and maybe the most obvious, is that it provides a framework for the body. This framework is then moved by the skeletal muscles of the muscular system which are attached to bones so we can do thinks like walk, smile, or even type. If we did not have a skeleton our body would be like a jelly fish and we could not do anything because we would be an immovable blob on the ground.
Protects Organs
Another job of the skeletal system is to protect vital organs within every human being from mechanical injury. This includes things like the vertebral canal that protects the spinal cord, the skull that protects the brain and the rib cage which protects the lungs and heart. This function of the skeleton is absolutely essential for all of us to live. Have you ever been hit in the head or the chest by a ball? Without the skull or the rib cage if a ball hit us in the head or chest the brain, lungs, or heart could be damaged and we could die.
Protects Bone Marrow
One of the very important things that the skeletal system does for us that we may not know about, is that it protects red bone marrow. Red bone marrow is usually contained in the hallow cavities of the spongy bone. Red bone marrow is in charge of producing; red blood cells, platelets and five kinds of white blood cells. If you do not know this already, red blood cells, platelets and white blood cells are what make blood, so essentially the red bone marrow found in bones is what creates blood. If our skeletal system did not have this function there would be no way to survive. Without blood there is no way for oxygen and nutrients to be distributed throughout the body and without oxygen in the body we cannot live.
Stores Calcium
Another not as well known job of the skeletal system is to store leftover calcium that we have in our body. We need to have a maintained level of calcium in our blood for the proper functioning of muscles and nerves and leftover calcium that is stored in the bones can be taken from the bones and can be used to help maintain the blood calcium levels. If this extra storage space for calcium did not exist in the bones there may not be enough calcium in the blood and our muscles and nerves would stop functioning properly.