A2 - functions of the skeletal system

• collectively your bones provide shape and provide supporting framework for the soft tissues of the body

• the bones surround and protect vital tissues and organs (flat bones) cranium = brain ribcage = heart and lungs vertebral column = spinal cord pelvis = abdominal and reproductive organs

• bones provide a surface for your skeletal muscles to attach to, allowing movement • tendons M-B • muscles pull on bones and create levers (creating movement)

• bones are hollow • blood vessels feed the center of your bones, and stored within the bones is ‘bone narrow’ • the marrow of your long bones is continually producing red and white blood cells • red blood cells die every minute

• bones is a reservoir for minerals such as calcium and phosphorus (essential for bone growth and maintenance of bone health) • these minerals are stored and released into the bloodstreams as required (balancing the minerals in your body)

• the bones provide a lever system against which muscles can pull to create movement (long bones)

• the bones are very strong and will support the weight of your body (including all tissues and muscles) (short bones) • during sport large forces are applied to your body and your skeleton provides the structural strength to prevent injury

• the skeleton is made of many different joint types • synovial joints secrete fluid (synovial fluid) that prevents bones from rubbing together, reducing fiction between the bones (sesamoid bones)