Skeletal Functions Essay

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Explain in detail the functions of the skeleton.

There are five main functions of the skeleton.
Support
The skeleton provides the framework for the body, enabling it to maintain posture, which is the position of the body when standing or sitting. The main bone is the spine - a curved ‘S’ shaped bone which is made up of vertebrae. There are 7 vertebrae in the neck called cervical vertebrae which support the head and connect to the thoracic spine, which consists of 12 vertebrae and gives support and stability to the upper body. There are also 5 lumbar vertebrae which carry the majority of the weight from the upper body. Between each vertebra is a spongy disc that connects them together flexibly. The discs are smaller between the cervical vertebrae and larger between the lumbar vertebrae in the lower back because of the difference in the amount of weight to support.

Protection
Some of the bones in the skeleton are designed to protect the vital organs. The cranium protects the brain, which is the bodies master control unit. The ribcage and sternum protect the lungs which are vital for breathing and respiration; they also protect the heart which is vital for blood circulation and the liver which is vital for purification (cleansing our body of toxins) . The vertebrae protect the spinal cord which serves as our neurological transmission highway. The pelvis protects the urinary system which is vital for excretion (The act or process of discharging waste matter from the blood) and also protects our reproduction system which enables us to procreate.

Movement
The skeletal bones attach to each other by ligaments and are then attached to muscles by tendons. The muscular and skeletal system work together to carry out bodily movement and are jointly called the musculoskeletal system. When muscles contract, bones are pulled along to produce movement allowing people to walk or run. An example of this is the contraction and relaxation of the triceps and biceps which produces the effect of straightening the arm.

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