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Functions of the Skeletal System 1.Tendons and ligaments are strong bands of fibrous connective tissue.Cartilage (kar'ti-li) is somewhat rigid but more flexible than bone, and its functions reflect these characteristics.In the adult, the surfaces of bones within movable joints are covered with carti-lage, which provides a smooth cushion between adjacent bones.Cartilage also provides a firm, yet flexible support within certain structures, such as the nose, external ears, ribs, and trachea.Bone provides a rigid framework that supports the soft tissues of the body and maintains the body's shape.Cartilage is abundant in the embryo and the fetus, where it provides a model from which most of the adult bones develop.Tendons and ligaments form attachments.Cartilage.Bone.2.3.

Functions of the Skeletal System

1. Bone. Bone is the most rigid component of the skeletal
   system.
   a. Support. Bone provides a rigid framework that supports the soft tissues of the body and maintains the body's shape.
   b. Protection. Bones protect internal organs that are critical to survival, such as the brain, lungs, and heart.
   c. Lever system. Bones provide a system of levers on which muscles act to produce body movements.
   d. Mineral storage. The matrix of bone contains abundant stores of minerals, which can be drawn upon by other tissues as needed.
   e. Blood cell formation. Blood cells are produced in the marrow of many bones.


2. Cartilage. Cartilage (kar'ti-li) is somewhat rigid but more flexible than bone, and its functions reflect these characteristics.
   a. Model for bone growth. Cartilage is abundant in the embryo and the fetus, where it provides a model from which most of the adult bones develop.
   Cartilage is a major site of skeletal growth in the em-bryo, fetus, and child.
   b. Smooth joint surfaces. In the adult, the surfaces of bones within movable joints are covered with carti-lage, which provides a smooth cushion between adjacent bones.
   c. Support. Cartilage also provides a firm, yet flexible support within certain structures, such as the nose, external ears, ribs, and trachea.


3. Tendons and ligaments form attachments. Tendons and ligaments are strong bands of fibrous connective tissue.
   Tendons attach muscles to bones, and ligaments attach bones to bones.