The Skeletal System: Functions and Types of Bones
The skeletal system serves multiple vital functions in the human body, providing structure and enabling movement. This page explores the primary functions of the skeletal system and introduces the different types of bones.
Functions of the Skeletal System
The skeletal system performs five major functions:
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Support and Shape: The skeleton provides a rigid frame that supports soft tissues and maintains body posture.
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Protection: Bones protect vital organs from injury. For example, the skull protects the brain, allowing for activities like heading a football without serious harm.
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Movement: Muscles attached to bones by tendons enable movement at joints, which is essential for athletic performance.
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Mineral Storage: Bones store minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, which are crucial for bone strength and muscle contraction.
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Blood Cell Production: Some bones contain marrow that produces blood components, including red blood cells that transport oxygen to muscles.
Highlight: The skeletal system's five major functions are support, protection, movement, mineral storage, and blood cell production.
Types of Bones
The human skeletal system consists of various types of bones, each with specific characteristics and functions:
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Long Bones: These bones are longer than they are wide and are used for larger, gross movements. Examples include the humerus and femur.
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Short Bones: Approximately as wide as they are long, these bones facilitate smaller, fine movements. The talus in the ankle is an example.
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Flat Bones: Strong, flat plates of bone that protect internal organs and provide surfaces for muscle attachment. The scapula and sternum are flat bones.
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Irregular Bones: Bones that don't fit into other categories, such as vertebrae.
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Sesamoid Bones: Small bones embedded within tendons, like the patella (kneecap).
Vocabulary: Sesamoid bones are small bones embedded within tendons, such as the patella in the knee.
The page also includes a labeled diagram of the human skeleton, highlighting various bones and their locations in the body.
Example: The femur is an example of a long bone, while the patella (kneecap) is a sesamoid bone.