Five Major Functions of Skeletal System

The skeletal system performs various functions that contribute to the overall structure, support, and functioning of the human body. The five major skeletal system functions are:

Support and Framework

The skeletal system provides a rigid framework that supports the body’s weight against gravity. It also maintains the body’s shape.

• Bone Structure: Bones provide a rigid framework that supports the entire body. The skeletal system consists of 206 bones in adults. It offers structural support and maintains the shape of the body.
• Axial and Appendicular Skeleton: The axial skeleton, including the skull, vertebral column, and ribcage, supports and protects the central nervous system and vital organs. The appendicular skeleton, comprising the limbs and girdles, facilitates movement and provides support.

Protects Vital Organs

The skeletal system protects the body’s internal organs.

• Cranium and Vertebrae: The skull protects the brain from external injuries and the vertebral column protects the spinal cord.
• Ribcage: Ribs protect the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels within the thoracic cavity and minimizes the risk of damage.

Facilitation of Movement

The skeletal system works with muscles to produce movement.

• Joint Function: Joints, where bones meet, allow for movement. Various types of joints enable diverse motions, such as hinge joints in the knee and ball-and-socket joints in the hip.
• Muscle Attachment: Muscles attach to bones via tendons. When muscles contract, they pull on bones, generating movement at the joints and facilitating bodily motions.

Also Read: Mechanism of Muscle Contraction

Mineral Storage

The skeletal system stores minerals like calcium and phosphorus.

• Calcium and Phosphorus: Bones serve as a reservoir for essential minerals, particularly calcium and phosphorus. Calcium is crucial for muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and bone strength. Phosphorus is essential for energy metabolism.
• Dynamic Balance: The skeletal system continually exchanges minerals with the bloodstream, maintaining a dynamic balance that supports various physiological functions.

Blood Cell Formation (Hematopoiesis)

The skeletal system contains bone marrow, which produces red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelet.

• Bone Marrow: Red bone marrow present in some bones, is involved in hematopoiesis—the formation of blood cells. It produces red blood cells (which carry oxygen), white blood cells (immune response), and platelets (blood clotting).
• Hematopoietic Role: This function ensures a steady supply of blood cells which contributes to the body’s immune system, oxygen transport, and clotting mechanisms.

The skeletal system, or the musculoskeletal system, is the body’s internal framework and support structure. It is composed of bones, cartilage, and connective tissues. The skeletal system is divided into two parts: the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton. Its primary functions include providing structural support, protecting vital organs, and enabling bodily movements through joints.

The skeletal system also plays an important role in mineral storage, blood cell production, and maintaining overall stability and integrity in physiological processes. In this article, we will study the functions of the skeletal system in detail.