1. Formation of body structure: Skeletal system forms the body structure and gives specific shape to the body.
2. Preservation: The skeletal system protects the soft organs of the body such as the heart, lungs, brain, spinal cord, etc.
3. Movement: The skeletal system controls the movement of the body through the contraction and expansion of muscles.
4. Red blood cell production: The main blood producing tissue is the red bone marrow. Red blood cells are produced from the bone marrow of the crown, sternum, thorax, vertebrae, humerus and femur. An average of 26 lakh red blood cells are produced from the bone marrow every second. Macrophages are also produced from red bone marrow.
5. Immunity: Stabilized reticuloendothelial system increases the body’s immune system.
6. Breathing and Hearing: The thorax helps in breathing and the cochlea helps in hearing.
7. Mineral salt storage: Skeletal bones store calcium, phosphorus, potassium etc. About 97% of the body’s calcium is stored in bones.
8. Accumulation of toxic elements: If the body contains toxic elements such as 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 bone cells. This hormone regulates blood sugar and fat levels.
12. Chemical energy storage: With age, the red bone marrow of the human body changes into yellow bone marrow. Adipose cells are present in pale bone marrow. Adepose cell acts as a reservoir of chemical energy.