Main Function of the Skeletal System
The skeletal system has myriad functions that can be broken down into three generalized functions: metabolic, protective and mechanical.
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Stubborn Bones and Longevity
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The ghoulish fact that our bones persist long after any other trace of life has decayed away, provides one major reason, perhaps, for our fascination with the skeleton. However, caring for and understanding our bones, throughout our lives, is essential to good health and longevity.
Three Functions
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Each bone is an organ, consisting of connective, nervous, muscle and epithelial tissues. What's more, like the other organs, our bones are inter-dependent on the other systems present in our bodies.
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Metabolic Function
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The skeletal system plays a key role in regulating the metabolism. Bones store minerals, such as calcium, essential for cellular activity. In addition, the red bone marrow produces blood cells in a process called hematopoiesis. Meanwhile, the yellow bone-marrow's adipose cells serve as storage for lipids, important for maintaining energy levels.
Protective Function
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The skeletal system also protects the organs and joints. For instance, the skull protects the brain, eyes and the middle and inner ear; the vertebrae protects the spinal cord; the rib-cage and sternum protect the lungs, heart and major blood vessels. Equally important, however, is the protection this system provides its joints, employing bone, cartilage and a lubricant, called synovial fluid.
Mechanical Function
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The skeletal system's mechanical function, which not only structures our body, compartmentalizing our organs, but provides freedom of movement and expression. The attachment of skeletal muscles to bones at key points allows our limbs the flexibility to conduct varied mechanical tasks. Even the manipulation of fine muscles around specific bone nodules and cavities aid us, without which facial expressions would be impossible.
Skeletal Function and Form
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For further reading, in 2008 Dennis R. Carter and Gary S. Beaupré published a fascinating study of the skeletal system about why it does what it does, called Skeletal Function and Form: Mechanobiology of Skeletal Development, Aging, and Regeneration.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Articulated Skeleton/Wikimedia Commons
