Skeleton

• The human skeleton has many important functions, including: 

  • Structure: The skeleton provides the body's structure and shape. 
• • Support: Bones support soft tissues, such as the rib cage supporting the thoracic wall. 
• • Movement: Bones work with muscles and joints to allow movement. The joints at the end of bones act as levers. 
• • Protection: Bones protect vital organs, such as the brain, heart, and lungs. 
• • Mineral storage: Bones store minerals, such as calcium and phosphate, that the body uses. 
• • Blood cell production: Most blood cells are formed in the marrow of certain bones. 

  Here are some other facts about the human skeleton: 

  • The adult human skeleton has 206 bones. 
  • The femur, or thighbone, is the longest, strongest, and largest bone in the body. 
  • The stapes, in the middle ear, is the smallest and lightest bone in the body. 
• Blood cell production: Red bone marrow produces blood cells.
• There are two types of bone tissue: compact (dense) bone and spongy (cancellous) bone.
• Yellow bone marrow stores fatty substances.
• Spongy bone is found inside long bones and consists of trabeculae, which are thin plates of bone arranged like a honeycomb.
• What is the main function of the skeleton?


  Provides support, protection, and movement to the body.
• What other functions does the skeleton have?


  Produces blood cells, helps regulate calcium levels, and produces hormones.
• Why is bone marrow important?


  It's responsible for producing blood cells.
• How do muscles attach to bones?

  Muscles attach to bones at tendons or ligaments.
• What allows for movement at joints?


  The skeleton allows for movement by providing space for the bones to slide, roll, or pivot.
• What is the fulcrum in a skeletal system?


  The fulcrum is the joint, where the force is applied.
• How do ligaments and tendons attach to bones?


  Through the periosteum, with fibers blending with it to form a strong bond.
• What is the tendon-bone junction?


  A specialized region where tendons attach to bone, containing tendon fibers and bone lamellae.