functions of bones

• bones provide 8 functions: support, protection, attachment for skeletal muscle, source of red blood cell production, store of minerals, leverage, weight bearing and reducing friction across joints
• support- your bones give your body shape and provide supporting framework for its soft tissues in your body. E.g: people who are taller have longer framework and are better suited for sports like basketball
• protection- bones protect your vital organs and vital tissue. E.g: cranium protects your brain. Heart and lungs are protected by the ribs and sternum
• attachment for skeletal muscle- parts of your skeleton provide a surface for your skeletal muscles to attach to, allowing you to move. E.g: muscles pull on bones to act as a lever when you bicep curl
• source of red blood cell production- bone marrow of your long bones is continuously producing red blood cells and white blood cells.
• store of minerals- calcium is stored in the bones and is essential for bone growth. These help to keep your bones strong and therefore less likely to get injured in contact sports.
• leverage- bones act as levers, when muscles pull on them, they create movement. E.g: the pectorals will pull the humerus to adduct the upper arm when the arms enter the water during butterfly
• weight bearing- bones are very strong and bare your wrists weight, especially short bones. The carpals in the wrist will bear the weight of a gymnast when doing a handstand
• reducing friction across joints- synovial joints secrete synovial fluid which lubricates the joints and reduces friction. This will help the knee and ankle joint move freely when running, preventing injury.