L4.2.1: Functions of the Bones

• SUPPORT

  
  

  Definition

  ● Enables us to stand up straight despite the weight of our upper body

  ● Responsible for the balance

  
  

  Steel Frame

  ○ Internal framework that supports the body and cradles its soft organs.

  
  

  Example

  ● Legs as pillars of the body
• PROTECTION

  
  

  Definition

  ● Prevents injury to soft organs

  
  

  Examples

  ● Skull - protects brain

  ● Vertebrae - protects spinal cord

  ● Ribcage - protects thoracic cavity organs
• PROTECTION

  
  

  Anencephaly

  ● A serious birth defect in which a baby is born without parts of the brain and skull

  ● Happens 1 in every 4,600 babies in the U.S. (estimation)

  ● No known cure or standard treatment; babies born with this will die shortly after birth
• ATTACHMENT

  
  

  Definition

  ● Provides connection to muscles during movement
• STORAGE

  
  

  Definition

  ● Serves as depot for minerals (calcium and phosphorus) and fats

  Calcium & Phosphorus

  ● Function to build strong bones and teeth

  ● Because they have the same function, the presence of calcium means the absence of phosphorus, or vice versa

  CALCIUM

  ● Important in the transmission of nerve impulse for muscle contraction and for blood clotting

  ● Cannot be absorbed directly by the bones

  ● Instead, Vitamin D synthesizes this absorption

  Fats

  ● Stored in the yellow marrow; an internal marrow cavity of the bone
• HEMATOPOIESIS

  
  

  Definition

  ● Blood cell formation (RBC, WBC, Platelets)

  ● Involves the red marrow

  3 Groups

  ERYTHROCYTES

  ● Red blood cells

  ● Process: Erythropoiesis

  LEUKOCYTES

  ● White blood cells

  ● Process: Leukopoiesis

  THROMBOCYTES

  ● Platelets

  ● Process: Thrombopoiesis
• Red Marrow: Only present within the cavities of certain bones.