The Purpose of the Skeletal System

 

What is the purpose of your bones?

Have you ever wondered what is the purpose of your bones? What if your bones weren't there? Your 206 bones serve an important function; without them you would be a sack of organs, blood, and muscles.

There are three main functions of your bones - to give your body shape which allows it to move effectively, to protect your vital organs, and to create blood cells to nourish and protect your body.

1 - Your Skeletal System gives you Shape

Your bones are like a big puzzle that fits together to form your skeletal system. This network of bones is called our skeletal system. This framework holds the body upright and gives muscles something to attach to so they can make the body move.  Our bones serve as the structural framework upon which our muscles, organs, and tissues rely. Without them, we would essentially be a shapeless blob! Our skeletal system works to stand tall and maintain balance.

2- Your Skeletal System Protects

Our amazing skeletal system is what keeps our bodies safe. Your rib cage is like a shield protecting your heart, lungs, and other vital organs. Your skull is like a helmet for your important brain which controls all the systems of your body. 

Bones are the ultimate way to keep organs safe because bones can repair themselves. The way these bones can repair themselves is in their composition. Our bones are mostly made up of calcium which makes them strong. When bones are first created or expanded, a framework of collagen gives our bones their shape and provide the majority of the substance that make up the bone. Then particles of calcium fill in cracks of collagen to create strong and flexible bones that work to hold up and protect our body from harm.

3- Your Skeletal System Creates Blood Cells

Inside your bones is bone marrow that creates blood cells. Red blood cells are created to carry oxygen around your body which is necessary for organ function. White blood cells are created to fight infections that enter the body. 

Within the inner core of our bones lies a soft, spongy tissue called bone marrow. This incredible substance is responsible for producing three different types of blood cells that are crucial for our overall health.

• Firstly, red blood cells are produced in bone marrow. These tiny cells transport oxygen throughout our bodies to keep our tissues and organs functioning optimally. In fact, around 2.4 million new red blood cells are created every second by our hardworking bones.
• Secondly, certain white blood cells, including lymphocytes, are also generated within the bone marrow. White blood cells are our immune system's defenders, protecting us against harmful bacteria, viruses, and other invaders. By producing these infection-fighting warriors, our skeletal system plays a significant role in keeping us healthy and shielding us from illnesses. 
• Lastly, our bones produce platelets! These vital components help our blood clot when we experience bleeding to prevent excessive loss. Platelets, which are also created within bone marrow, play a crucial role in ensuring our wounds heal properly. Scientific studies have provided abundant evidence supporting the fact that our skeletal system is a key player in blood cell production. Bone marrow biopsies, for example, allow researchers to directly observe the generation of different blood cells within the bone marrow. 

4- Your Skeletal System Stores Minerals

Our skeleton is like a warehouse, diligently storing essential minerals such as calcium and phosphorus that our body needs to function correctly. When we need those minerals, our bones release these materials into our bloodstream, helping to maintain proper levels and supporting nerve function, muscle contraction, and more! Then our bones work on replenishing their storage to be ready for the next time we need reserved calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and even trace elements such as boron, iron, zinc, copper, and selenium.