The Skeletal System in Homeostasis
The Skeletal System
The skeleton supports and helps
protect soft body parts. Bones, joints,
tendons, and ligaments all have
essential roles in moving the body
and its parts. Bone is a reservoir
for calcium, which is vital for many
body functions including muscle
contractions, the transmission of
nerve impulses, and blood clotting.
Calcium also is required for the proper
functioning of some enzymes and of
proteins in the cell plasma membrane.Muscular system
Skeletal muscles attach to
bones, which serve as levers for
body movements. Bone calcium
may be released as needed to
maintain blood levels required for
muscle contractions.Cardiovascular system and blood
Bone calcium is available for heart
contractions that pump blood. All types of
blood cells form in red bone marrow.Unless otherwise indicated, all art on this page is © Cengage Learning.
Integumentary system
The skeleton provides support
for skin and the muscles below it.Digestive system
Bone stores dietary calcium and phosphorus.
Bones of the rib cage and pelvis protect
organs including the stomach, liver, and
intestines. Facial bones have sockets for teeth.100 Chapter 5
5.7
connecTionS
Immunity and the lymphatic system
White blood cells that function in body
defenses form in bone marrow.Respiratory system
The rib cage and sternum protect the lungs.
Muscles used in breathing attach to ribs and
associated cartilages.Urinary system
The rib cage partially protects the kidneys.
The pelvis helps protect the bladder.Nervous system
The skull protects the brain. Vertebrae protect
the spinal cord. Bone calcium stores may be
released as needed to maintain blood levels
required for transmission of nerve impulses.
Sensory systems
Skull and facial bones surround and protect
sensory organs in the head. Calcium in
bones helps maintain blood levels required for
transmission of sensory nerve impulses.
Endocrine system
Calcium may be released as needed
to maintain blood levels required for the
formation and secretion of many hormones.Reproductive system
Pelvic bones protect female reproductive
organs and associated glands in males.
Calcium is available to help nourish a fetus
and for milk production in a nursing mother.Copyright 2016 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part. Due to electronic rights, some third party content may be suppressed from the eBook and/or eChapter(s).