P1 – Describe the Structure & Function of the Skeletal System Unit 1 – Principles of Anatomy & Physiology in Sport

Bone Marrow Red Bone Marrow = produces new blood cells Yellow Bone Marrow = storage area for fat cells

Functions of the Skeletal System B.S.P.A.M. lood Cell Production hape / support rotection ttachment for muscles ineral storage

Blood Cell Production – bones are not solid, they would be too heavy The centre of your bones has bone marrow in them and this marrow is fed by blood vessels. The marrow of your long bones has a very important function as they are continually creating red and white blood cells. This function is essential as red blood vessels die all the time and need to be replaced.

Support – your skeleton provides the framework for the soft tissue of your body and therefore also provides the overall shape of your body. Protection – another very important factor of your skeleton is protection.  Your skeleton protects the vital tissues and organs of the body. Skull protects the brain Thorax protects the heart and lungs Vertebral column protects the spinal cord Pelvis protects your reproductive and abdominal organs

Attachment for Skeletal Muscle – Tendons, attach muscle to bone, allows the muscles to create leverage and this leverage creates movement, the type of joint that the muscles are acting on that determines the type of movement created.  Mineral Store – bones act as a store for minerals such as calcium and phosphorus that are essential for bone growth and good health. The bones act as a reservoir for these minerals which are released into the bloodstream as needed to maintain a balance of minerals in our body.