The SKELETAL System

Learn the vital roles of your skeletal system! This worksheet explains how bones support, protect, and help you move.

Functions of the skeleton Match the functions Support Bones act as a structural framework providing shape and support for the body and attachments for organs. Without this structural framework we would be like a piece of jelly. Protection Bones provide protection for many internal organs. For example the ribs protect the heart and lungs. Movement The skeleton provides a large surface area for muscle attachment. When skeletal muscles contract, they pull on bones at a joint to produce movement. Blood Cell Production Both red and white blood cells are produced in the bone marrow cavities of larger bones, e.g. the femur and pelvic girdle. Storage Bone tissue stores several minerals, the main ones being calcium and phosphorus both of which play an important role in the strength of bones. In adults the medullary cavity of long bones contains yellow bone marrow which stores fat (adipose cells). skull sternum spinal column femur ribs clavicle ilium radius fibula tibia Bones meet at: Joints The rib cage Ligaments How many bones does an adult human have? 500 206 110 The bones in your spine are called... Cartilage Ribs Vertebrae