The Skeletal System

The skeletal system is made up of bones and teeth. The normal human body has 206 bones which are needed for variety of functions within the body. The role of bones extends beyond the function of giving your body its shape. There are many reasons why bones are important to the body.  One of the most important functions that bones have in our body is providing support and structure. Bones are the hardest and most rigid structures in our body. The skeletal system also plays an important role in the protection of the vital organs throughout the body. The skull and the backbone protect the central nervous system. This protective role is especially important because the central nervous system controls the rest of your body and is very fragile. The ribs also protect the vital organs in the chest, such as the lungs and heart.  The skeletal system is also closely interacts with the muscles system. Bones are necessary because the muscles need something to attach to in order to contract and cause motion. Bones are also important as a center for the production of blood cells.  Lastly, the bones are responsible for the regulation of calcium levels. Calcium levels in the blood have to be kept in a narrow range to make sure the nerves and muscles are about to properly work. Much of the calcium is stored in the bones. When the body needs more calcium, bone tissue can be broken down to increase the blood’s supply and excess calcium can be stored in bone tissue for later.

Some interesting facts about the skeletal systems are:

1. Babies are born with 300 bones.

2. We are about 1 cm taller in the morning than in the evening.

3.The tooth is the only part of the human body that can't repair itself.

4.The feel account for one quarter of all the human body's bones.

5. Some bones are stronger than steel.