Theskeletal systemperforms vital functions — support,movement,protection,blood cell production,calcium storageandendocrineregulation — that enable us to survive.

The function of the skeleton is as follows:

Support:It supports ligaments, tendons and organs in doing their jobs, and ensures all of those structures don’t fall apart

Protection:It protects internal organs

Movement:If it weren’t for bones, muscles wouldn’t be able to move anything, as it’s bones they tug on in order to move our bodies around!

Breathing:This is a very underestimated function of the skeleton. The ribs, clavicles and sternum move alongside the lungs and helps the lungs expand and contract

Production of red blood cells:The bone marrow of large bones create red blood cells to be put into the circulation

Storage of minerals:Bones store minerals like calcium and hydroxylapatite

Endocrine regulation:Calcium homeostasis/regulation is largely dependent on bones as they serve as a reservoir for calcium. And when blood calcium levels are low, parathyroid hormone is released from the parathyroid gland which causes calcium to move from bones to blood. This is a simplification of calcium homeostasis but is good enough!