Functions of the Skeletal System

Skeletal system Supports the body, allows movement, produces blood cells, protects organs, and stores minerals like calcium and phosphorus. Musculoskeletal system Another name for the skeletal system, which includes bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Framework The central structure of the body made up of bones and connective tissue, providing support and shape. Bones Hard structures that create the body's framework, providing support, protection, and attachment points for muscles. Cartilage Flexible connective tissue that covers bone tips, reduces friction, and cushions joints. Tendons Connective tissue that attaches muscles to bones, enabling movement and transmitting forces. Ligaments Connective tissue that holds bones together, stabilizes joints, and prevents excessive movement. Blood cells Cells produced in the bone marrow, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Hematopoiesis The process of blood cell production that occurs in the bone marrow. Skull Protects the brain and provides structure for the face. Ribs Protect the heart and lungs, forming the rib cage. Backbone Protects the spinal cord and provides support for the body's upright posture. 1/3 Calcium carbonate An alkaline salt absorbed or released by the skeletal system to maintain acid-base balance in the body. Calcium phosphate An alkaline salt absorbed or released by the skeletal system to maintain acid-base balance in the body. Mineral storage One of the functions of bones, which store minerals like calcium and phosphorus for the body's needs. Protection One of the functions of bones, which act as a shield for vital organs, such as the brain, heart, and lungs. Compact bone The dense, hard outer layer of bone that provides strength and protection. Spongy bone A network of thin, branching bony struts found beneath compact bone, providing strength with less weight. Bone marrow Soft, gelatinous tissue found within certain bones, responsible for producing blood cells and storing fat. Red bone marrow The type of bone marrow that produces red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Yellow bone marrow The type of bone marrow that stores adipose tissue as an energy reserve. Periosteum The outermost layer of bone that contains blood vessels and cells involved in bone growth and repair. Endotenon Connective tissue that surrounds fiber bundles within a tendon, providing support and protection. Epitenon A thin layer of connective tissue that surrounds the entire tendon, providing structural integrity. 2/3 Paratenon A loose layer of connective tissue that allows the tendon to move smoothly against other tissues. Sharpey fibers Collagen fibers that attach tendons to bones, providing strength and stability. Joint A connection between bones that allows movement and provides flexibility. Ball and socket joint A joint that allows rotatory movement, such as the shoulder joint. Pivotal joint A joint that allows sideways and back-forth movement, such as the neck joint. Hinge joint A joint that allows back and forth movement, such as the knee joint. Saddle joint A joint that allows flexion/extension and abduction/adduction, such as the thumb joint. Condyloid joint A joint that allows up-down and side-to-side motions, such as the wrist joint. Gliding joint A joint that allows bones to move freely without rubbing or crushing, such as between vertebrae. 3/3