Protects Vital Organs
Bones cover or shield vital organs in the body and protect them from
injury. Also the vertebral column and skull protect the spinal cord
and brain which are also vital parts of the body.
Allows for Body Movement
Bones and joints provide with muscles controlled movement. Bones
provide something for muscles to grab hold of. The bones used as
levers with a pair of muscles allows both contracting motions and extending
motions.
Produces Blood Cells
In the epiphysis of long bones red blood cells and some white blood
cells are formed by red marrow. Red blood cells do a variety of functions
including carry oxygen throughout the body. White blood cells are
used to help fight off infections.
Provides Structure and Support of Body
The skeletal system made of hard and stiff bones creates a strong framework
of support for the body to be built upon. The parts of the lower
apendicular skeleton support the weight of the body and therefore are made
up of the biggest bones with the biggest muscles to help them move.
The bones of the back also support the body's weight.
Types of Bones
Flat Bones
Flat bones consist of two plates of hard bone with a softer material
between them making them thin with broad surfaces. They usually serve
to protect vital body organs. The ribs, sternum and illium are examples
of flat bones.
Short or Irregular Bones
Short bones are made up of soft material covered with a thin layer
of hard bone. Their size and shape vary but are usually compact in
nature. They are distributed throughout the body with many of them
in the carpals and tarsals.