Function of Bones

Movement

Bones serve as points of attachment for muscles and form the levers on which muscles act.

To bring about movement, muscles pull bones closer together or further apart. Some bones provide support to muscles while others transmit the forces produced during muscle contraction.

Hematopoiesis

The medullary cavity (hollow space) of bones contains red bone marrow which produces red and white blood cells as well as platelets during hematopoiesis.

Support and Protection

Bones are the scaffold that support and hold the body upright. Bones protect internal organs from external forces that may cause injury and are the framework that support skeletal muscles and their actions.

Storage

Bones store essential minerals, hormones and energy that are released into the bloodstream when needed for vital and normal physiological functions of the body to take place.