What Are the Functions of the Skeletal System? Essay Example

The adult human skeleton consists of about 206 bones. Almost all of them are combined into a single whole with the help of joints, ligaments and other connections. At birth, the human skeleton consists of more than 270 bones; the number of bones in adulthood decreases to 205-208, as some bones grow together, mainly the bones of the skull, pelvis and spine grow together.

See major functions of the skeletal system:

1. Movement -Skeletal system provides points of attachment for muscles. Your legs and arms move when the muscles pull on the bones. (Similar information: Website)
2. Support - The backbone is the main support center for the upper body. It holds your head up and protects your spinal cord.
3. Protection - The bones of your skull protect your brain. Your ribs protect your lungs and heart from injury.<
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4. Makes Blood - Red and white blood cells are formed by tissue called marrow, which is in the center of the bone.
5. Storage Bones - store minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus, for use by the body.
6. Joint - A usually movable body part in which adjacent bones are joined by ligaments and other fibrous tissues.

Basic concepts:

Pivot joint - A joint in which a section of one bone fits into a corresponding cavity on the other.

Ball-and-socket joint - Round end of bone fitting snugly within another bone.

Hinge joint - Movement at joint in one direction like a door.

Gliding joint - Bones slipping over other bones with a free flowing movement.

Saddle joint - Where one of the bones forming the joint is shaped like a saddle with the other bone resting on it like a rider on a horse.

Ligament -