The major functions of the bones are body support, facilitation of movement, protection of internal organs, storage of minerals and fat, and hematopoiesis. Together, the muscular system and skeletal system are known as the musculoskeletal system.
bone
hard, dense connective tissue that forms the structural elements of the skeleton
cartilage
semi-rigid connective tissue found on the skeleton in areas where flexibility and smooth surfaces support movement
hematopoiesis
production of blood cells, which occurs in the red marrow of the bones
orthopedist
doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders and injuries
osseous tissue
bone tissue; a hard, dense connective tissue that forms the structural elements of the skeleton
red marrow
connective tissue in the interior cavity of a bone where hematopoiesis takes place
skeletal system
organ system composed of bones and cartilage that provides for movement, support, and protection
yellow marrow
connective tissue in the interior cavity of a bone where fat is stored
1. Which function of the skeletal system would be especially important if you were in a car accident?
A) storage of minerals
B) protection of internal organs
C) facilitation of movement
D) fat storage
B
2. Bone tissue can be described as ________.
A) dead calcified tissue
B) cartilage
C) the skeletal system
D) dense, hard connective tissue
D
3. Without red marrow, bones would not be able to ________.
A) store phosphate
B) store calcium
C) make blood cells
D) move like levers
C
4. Yellow marrow has been identified as ________.
A) an area of fat storage
B) a point of attachment for muscles
C) the hard portion of bone
D) the cause of kyphosis
A
5. Which of the following can be found in areas of movement?
A) hematopoiesis
B) cartilage
C) yellow marrow
D) red marrow
B
6. The skeletal system is made of ________.
A) muscles and tendons
B) bones and cartilage
C) vitreous humor
D) minerals and fat
B
The skeletal system is composed of bone and cartilage and has many functions. Choose three of these functions and discuss what features of the skeletal system allow it to accomplish these functions.
It supports the body. The rigid, yet flexible skeleton acts as a framework to support the other organs of the body.
It facilitates movement. The movable joints allow the skeleton to change shape and positions; that is, move.
It protects internal organs. Parts of the skeleton enclose or partly enclose various organs of the body including our brain, ears, heart, and lungs. Any trauma to these organs has to be mediated through the skeletal system.
It produces blood cells. The central cavity of long bones is filled with marrow. The red marrow is responsible for forming red and white blood cells.
It stores and releases minerals and fat. The mineral component of bone, in addition to providing hardness to bone, provides a mineral reservoir that can be tapped as needed. Additionally, the yellow marrow, which is found in the central cavity of long bones along with red marrow, serves as a storage site for fat.