The skeleton is the part of the human body that is made up of bones. The normal human adult has 206 bones that work together to perform numerous functions that are essential for life. Without the skeleton, humans would not have evolved to become the most dominant species on Earth. There are numerous diseases that attack the skeleton. Knowing the functions of the skeletal system allows for a better understanding of how the body functions.
Support and Shape
The bones in the body help support the patient and provide the basic human shape, states TeensHealth.com. The bones help carry the weight of the body and support different organs of the body. Though the bones are extremely light, they still are able support the body's entire weight. Furthermore, in order to grow, people need the skeleton to continue to extend. As the bones grow, they give humans height, facial features and body dimensions.
Production and Storage of Blood Cells
Tissues within the bone, called bone marrow, are integral in developing and storing all the different kinds of blood cells, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. The marrow is composed of the cells that eventually differentiate into red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the whole body, white blood cells ward of infection, and platelets help prevent bleeding. If the bone is unable to produce these cells, then the patient will suffer greatly.
Protection
The skeleton helps provide protection to numerous organs in the body, according to TeensHealth.com. The skull helps protect and house the brain. The backbone, or vertebral column, shelters the spinal column, which is the body's main pathway for messages traveling from the brain to the body and vice versa. The ribs create a barrier that envelops the heart, liver, lungs, and spleen. Finally, the pelvis protects the parts of the intestines, the urinary bladder and in females, the reproductive system. Without this protection, these organs could be easily damaged and the patient would perish.
Movement
Without the skeleton, body movement would be impossible. Any kind of movement in humans is achieved only through the interaction between the skeleton and the muscles attached to them, states the Minnesota State University. Muscles attach to bones via special tissues called tendons. Muscles that are responsible for a movement connect to two different bones. As the muscle contracts, it causes the bones to which it is attached to move. An example of this is when the biceps muscle, which is attached to the lower arm and upper arm, contracts; it is able to move at the elbow joint and cause the arm to bend.
Storage of Minerals
Bones are composed of calcium, sodium, phosphorus, and other minerals. Calcium in the diet is used to strengthen and harden bones. The other minerals add to the consistency and integrity of the bone. If the body is ever in need of the minerals stored in the bone, special cells, called osteoclasts, break down the bone and send the minerals into the bloodstream. The skeleton provides a back-up storage area for minerals that the body may need in the future.
Endocrine Function
Recently, the skeleton has been found to be an endocrine organ. Bones, which are able to control sugar metabolism and weight, can prevent the development of type 2 diabetes according to EurekaAlert.com. The skeleton releases a hormone called osteocalcin, which aids in the regulation of blood sugar and fat distribution. Osteoclacin increases the production and efficiency of insulin, which is an important hormone of blood sugar metabolism. Osteoclacin also reduces fat storage and accumulation.
