skeletal system

• what are the five functions of the skeletal system?

  1. support of the body
  2. protection of internal organs
  3. movement
  4. blood cell production
  5. storage of fats and minerals
• how does the skeletal system support the body?

  gravity pulls the body towards the ground, the skeleton holds up the body against the force of gravity and gives it its shape
• how does the skeletal system protect organs?

  protects internal organs from injury by covering or surrounding them
• what bone protects the brain?

  cranium
• what bone protects the heart and lungs?

  sternum and ribcage
• what bone protects the uterus and bladder?

  pelvis
• what bone protects the spinal cord?

  vertebral column
• how does the skeletal system help allow movement?

  muscles attach to the bones of your skeletal system, when the muscle contracts (shortens), it produces movement by moving the attached bones
• how does the skeletal system produce blood cells?

  • blood cells (red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets) are formed in the red bone marrow of bones
• how does the skeletal system store fat and minerals?

  • the most common minerals stored in the bone tissue are calcium and phosphorus
  • when the body needs these minerals they are released: from bones → blood stream → body
  • bones store fat in yellow bone marrow