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Ch. 7 The Skeletal System
Amerman - Human Anatomy & Physiology 2nd Edition
Amerman2nd EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136873822Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksAmerman 2nd EditionCh. 7 The Skeletal SystemProblem L1.1
Chapter 7, Problem L1.1

Which of the following is not a function of the skeletal system?


a. Primary storage site in the body for the minerals sodium and potassium
b. Location of the red bone marrow, which produces red blood cells
c. Storage of triglycerides in yellow bone marrow
d. Support and protection of the body and vital organs
e. Functions in movement as the site of attachment for skeletal muscles

Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by reviewing the primary functions of the skeletal system. These include support and protection of the body and vital organs, facilitation of movement through muscle attachment, storage of minerals (primarily calcium and phosphorus), production of blood cells in red bone marrow, and storage of triglycerides in yellow bone marrow.
Step 2: Analyze each option provided in the question. For example, option (a) mentions the storage of sodium and potassium. Recall that the skeletal system primarily stores calcium and phosphorus, not sodium and potassium.
Step 3: Evaluate option (b). The skeletal system does house red bone marrow, which is responsible for producing red blood cells, so this is a correct function of the skeletal system.
Step 4: Evaluate option (c). The skeletal system stores triglycerides in yellow bone marrow, which is a valid function of the skeletal system.
Step 5: Evaluate option (d) and (e). The skeletal system provides support and protection for the body and vital organs, and it also functions in movement by serving as the site of attachment for skeletal muscles. These are correct functions. Based on this analysis, identify the option that does not align with the skeletal system's functions.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Functions of the Skeletal System

The skeletal system serves several critical functions, including providing structural support to the body, protecting vital organs, facilitating movement through muscle attachment, and serving as a reservoir for minerals like calcium and phosphorus. It also plays a role in hematopoiesis, the production of blood cells in the bone marrow.
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Bone Marrow Types

Bone marrow is classified into two types: red and yellow. Red bone marrow is responsible for producing red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, while yellow bone marrow primarily stores fat (triglycerides) and can convert to red marrow in response to increased demand for blood cell production.
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Mineral Storage in Bones

Bones act as a major storage site for essential minerals, particularly calcium and phosphorus, which are crucial for various bodily functions, including bone health and metabolic processes. However, sodium and potassium are primarily regulated by other systems in the body and are not stored in significant amounts in the skeletal system.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Examine the structure of the skull, and predict its likely functions based on its form.

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Textbook Question

Which of the following are considered parts of the axial skeleton? (Circle all that apply.)


a. Pectoral girdle

b. Lower limb

c. Skull

d. Vertebral column

e. Pelvic girdle

f. Thoracic cage

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Textbook Question

________is the anatomical name for a hole in a bone.


a. Fossa

b. Foramen

c. Condyle

d. Tubercle

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Textbook Question

How do the atlas (C1) and the axis (C2) differ from other cervical vertebrae? How does this difference enable them to perform their functions?

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