Question

What are the uses of the skeleton in our body?

Answer 1

Uses of skeleton:

(i) Support and shape: The skeletal system provides a framework to the body. It provides support to all soft parts and gives a definite shape to the body and all body parts.

(ii) Protection: The skeleton protects the internal delicate and important organs of the body. For example in human beings, the skull protects the brain, ribs protect the heart and lungs, vertebral column protects the spinal cord, etc.

(iii) Movement: The skeletal system helps in movement. It co-ordinates the movement of attached bones and muscles to bring about locomotion.

(iv) Leverage: Some bones and joints of the skeletal system form levers and help in magnifying, either the movement or the force. For example, slight contraction of biceps moves the hand to a distance of about a foot.

(v) Formation of blood cells: The skeleton is the site of haematopoiesis. Various types of blood cells like red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets are formed in the bone marrow of some long bones.

(vi) Storehouse for minerals: The bones are a storehouse of calcium and phosphorus for the rest of the body.