Test your knowledge of the skeleton - Put your cursor over the bones to get their names.

The Functions of the Skeleton

1. Support - the shapes of soft tissues are maintained and the body has posture.

2. Protection - Important organs of the body (brain, heart, lungs, spinal cord) are protected by non-moveable casings.

3. Movement - Tendons attach muscles to bones which act as levers. Contracting muscles pulls on the bones causing movement.

4. Storage - Mineral salts are stored in the bones (e.g. calcium)

5. Blood Cell Production - Red blood cells, some white blood cells and blood platelets are produced in the red marrow of bones