Functions of the skeleton

functions of the skeleton

1. support - supports softer tissue and provides points of attachment for most skeletal muscles

2. protection - reduces risk of injury by providing mechanical protection for the body’s organs

3. movement - muscles are attached to bones and when they contract the bones move

4. blood production (haematopoiesis) - red blood cells (erythrocytes), which carry oxygen, and white blood cells (leucocytes), which protect against infection, are produced in the bone marrow of some bones

5. storage of minerals - bones store minerals, including phosphorus (P) and calcium (Ca), which are released into the blood when required

haematopoiesis

blood production

another name for red blood cells

erythrocytes

another name for white blood cells

leucocytes

components of a basic four-legged mammal skeleton

cranium, skull, maxilla, lower maxillary, scapula, humerus, radius, ulna, carpus, metacarpus, phalange, rib cage, femur, tibia, metatarsus, tarsus, fibula, vertebral column (caudal vertebrae, lumbar, thoracic, cervical, sacrum)

divisions of the vertebral column

cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum, caudal vertebrae

four-legged mammal skeleton diagram

axial skeleton

bones that make up the head and trunk of the body

appendicular skeleton

appendage bones - called this because they are appendages of the axial skeleton

consists of the bones of the upper and lower limbs (limb bones), and the bony girdles that support them on the body trunk

appendicular skeleton function

the bones enable the body to move and protect some organs

what are the bones of the appendicular skeleton called?

appendage bones

why are appendage bones called that?

because they are appendages of the axial skeleton

axial and appendicular skeleton of a four-legged mammal diagram