Why skeleton is important

Supports and protects the softer parts of the body the very important organs! The brain is protected by the skull.

The heart and lungs are protected by a strong rib cage. It is also protected by the breast bone sternum at the front and vertebral spinal column at the back. The spinal cord is protected by the vertebrae bones of the spine. The intestines and reproductive organs are protected by the pelvis. Supports our body through a framework of bones. Bones are not solid.

The hard outer layer of the bone protects the light, porous not solid bone inside. Red blood cells carry oxygen around the body, providing energy for our muscles. However, before we are born, all of our bones begin as a rubbery material called cartilage. As we grow, more and more deposits of calcium are laid down which change some of the cartilage into a more solid and rigid mass — bone.

Bones facilitate movement by serving as points of attachment for your muscles. Bones also protect internal organs from injury by covering or surrounding them.

For example, your ribs protect your lungs and heart, the bones of your vertebral column spine protect your spinal cord, and the bones of your cranium skull protect your brain see Figure 6. On a metabolic level, bone tissue performs several critical functions. For one, the bone tissue acts as a reservoir for a number of minerals important to the functioning of the body, especially calcium, and phosphorus.

These minerals, incorporated into bone tissue, can be released back into the bloodstream to maintain levels needed to support physiological processes. Calcium ions, for example, are essential for muscle contractions and are involved in the transmission of nerve impulses.

Bones also serve as a site for fat storage and blood cell production. The unique connective tissue that fills the interior of most bones is referred to as bone marrow.

There are two types of bone marrow: yellow bone marrow and red bone marrow. Yellow bone marrow contains adipose tissue, and the triglycerides stored in the adipocytes of this tissue can be released to serve as a source of energy for other tissues of the body. Red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets are all produced in the red bone marrow. As we age, the distribution of red and yellow bone marrow changes as seen in the figure Figure 6.

An orthopedist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders and injuries related to the musculoskeletal system. The skeleton also protects the soft body parts.

The fused bones of the cranium surround the brain to make it less vulnerable to injury. Vertebrae surround and protect the spinal cord and bones of the rib cage help protect the heart and lungs of the thorax.

Bones contain more calcium than any other organ. The intercellular matrix of bone contains large amounts of calcium salts, the most important being calcium phosphate. The body has two types of bone. Bones are filled with a spongy tissue. Babies are born with bones. The smallest bone in the body is in your ear. The longest bone in the body is in your leg. Bones are designed to take a beating. More than half your bones are in your hands and feet.

Most people have 12 ribs, but some have The biggest joint in your body is your knee. Bones are strong, but teeth are stronger. Bones are natural healers. You can eat your way to stronger bones. Read this next. Medically reviewed by William Morrison, M. Medically reviewed by Karen Gill, M. Flat Bones Overview. Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.

Medically reviewed by Timothy Gossett, M. Medically reviewed by Stella Bard, MD.