1. Structure of the body: Bones form the structure of the body and give specific shape to the body.
2. Preservation: The soft parts of the bony body protect the heart, lungs, brain, spinal cord, etc.
3. Movement: Skeletal muscles control body movement through contraction and expansion.
4. Red blood cell production: Red blood cells are produced from the bone marrow.
5. Immunity: Stabilized reticuloendothelial system increases the body’s immune system.
6. Breathing and Hearing: Some parts of the spine change and help in breathing and hearing.
7. Mineral salt storage: Bone stores calcium, phosphorus, potassium etc. About 97% of the body’s calcium is stored in bones.
8. Accumulation of toxic elements: If there are toxic elements in the body like lead, arsenic, etc., the bones store them.
9. As a junction: Acts as a junction of muscles, ligaments and tendons.
10. Pressure and ionic balance: Maintains internal pressure and ionic balance of the body.
11. Hormonal action: Osteocalcin hormone is produced from the bone marrow. This hormone regulates blood sugar and fat levels.
12. Chemical energy storage: As we age, some red bone marrow turns into yellow bone marrow. Bile bone marrow contains adipose cells. Adipose cells store chemical energy.