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The skeleton has six main functions:

1. Support – the skeleton keeps the body upright and provides a framework for muscle and tissue attachment.
2. Posture – the skeleton gives the correct shape to our body.
3. Protection – the bones of the skeleton protect the internal organs and reduce the risk of injury on impact. For example, the cranium protects the brain, the ribs offer protection to the heart and lungs, the vertebrae protect the spinal cord and the pelvis offers protection to the sensitive reproductive organs.
4. Movement – the skeleton allows movement of the body as a whole and its individual parts. The bones form joints and act as levers, allowing muscles to pull on them to produce movement. The bones of the skeleton provide surfaces for the attachment of muscles.
5. Blood cell production – certain bones in the skeleton contain bone marrow which produces red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Examples of bones that contain marrow are the pelvis, sternum, humerus and femur.
6. Storage of minerals - the bones store minerals such as calcium, iron, potassium and phosphorous and release them into the blood when the body needs to use them.