7 Functions of Human Skeletal System

The skeleton is the supporting frame work of vertebrate body which provides a definite shape and form and protects from various internal organs. It provides a place of attachment for the muscles.

 

Difference between Male skeleton and Female skeleton

The human endoskeleton consists of 206 pieces of bones and can be divided into axial skeleton and appendicular skeleton. The axial skeleton includes the skeleton of head, the vertebral column, the ribs and the breasts bones sternum. The Appendicular skeleton includes the skeleton of limbs and those of the girdles.

Functions of Skeletal System

1. Body form: Skeleton functions as framework of the body which provides the particular form and shape to the animals.

2. Support: It forms the rigid structural framework of the body and supports the weight of the body along with its limbs. The weight bearing functions of the skeletal system depends on the deposits of calcium and phosphate in the matrix of bone tissue.

3. Protection: Most of the delicate internal organs are protected by a casing of bone. The brain is completely enclosed by the skull and the spinal cord by the backbone, while the heart and lungs are surrounded by a cage of ribs.

4. Movement: It participates in movements and locomotion.

5. Storage of Calcium and Phosphate: The bone serves as a storage deposit for Ca and P, which are released for several functions of the body.

6. Production of Blood cells (Haemopoiesis): The red bone marrow, present in the bones of vertebrates, is concerned with the production of blood cells, erythrocytes and leukocytes.

7. Storage of Fat: Cavities and canals of bones possess adipose tissue that stores fat.