Which of the following is not a primary function of the skeletal system?
A.
All of the above.
B.
Storing inorganic salts.
C.
Attachment sites for muscles.
D.
Support and Protection.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is:
A. All of the above.
Explanation:
The skeletal system plays several crucial roles in maintaining the body’s overall function and health. Its primary functions include support, protection, and serving as attachment sites for muscles, as well as storing inorganic salts. Each of these roles is integral to the body’s structure and function, and none of them is extraneous.
- Support: The skeletal system provides a rigid framework that supports the body and maintains its shape. The bones act as a scaffolding that supports the body’s weight and provides a structure that supports tissues and organs. For example, the vertebral column supports the head and trunk, while the pelvic bones support the organs in the lower abdomen.
- Protection: Bones protect vital organs from injury. For instance, the skull encases the brain, the rib cage shields the heart and lungs, and the pelvis offers protection to the reproductive organs and bladder. This protective function is vital for preventing damage from external forces.
- Attachment Sites for Muscles: The skeletal system provides attachment points for muscles. Muscles are anchored to bones via tendons, and this connection allows for movement. When muscles contract, they pull on bones to produce movement at the joints. For example, the biceps muscle attaches to the humerus and the radius, enabling arm flexion.
- Storing Inorganic Salts: Bones are reservoirs for important minerals, particularly calcium and phosphorus. These minerals are essential for various physiological processes, including bone formation, nerve function, and muscle contraction. The skeletal system can release or absorb these minerals to maintain homeostasis in the body.
Therefore, all the given options—support and protection, attachment sites for muscles, and storing inorganic salts—are primary functions of the skeletal system. Thus, the answer “All of the above” correctly indicates that none of these options is excluded from the primary functions of the skeletal system.