Question

Which of the following is not the function of the skeletal system?
A. Production of erythrocytes
B. Storage of minerals
C. Production of body heat
D. Locomotion

Answer 1

The skeletal system comprises the bones and joints of our body. Bones are mineralized organs that perform a variety of functions.

Complete step by step answer: The skeleton is actually a framework of bones. Bones are mineralized living tissues. They are diverse in shape and size. The bones are rigid tissues made up of two cellular types – the osteoblasts and the osteoclasts. The matrix of the bone cells is made up of collagen and inorganic salts.
The skeletal system has a few major functions, which can be described as follows:
Production of erythrocytes: The bone cells are the sites of production of blood cells. The process by which the blood cells are formed is known as hematopoiesis. It takes place in the bone marrow from precursor cells called hematopoietic stem cells. The blood cells formed in the bone marrow are red blood cells or erythrocytes, white blood cells or leukocytes and platelets or thrombocytes.
Storage of minerals: The matrix of the bone is made up of minerals like calcium and potassium. Whenever required the bone cells release calcium into the blood. Calcium is essential to the proper functioning of the nervous system and muscles. Apart from calcium, bones also contain Iron in the red bone marrow, and lipids in the yellow bone marrow.
Locomotion: Bones serve as muscle attachment points. The joints in between bones help in movement of body parts. The movements are in turn, powered by the skeletal muscles. Thus, we can say that locomotion is possible because of the coordinated function of bones, muscles and joints under the guidance of the nervous system.
Protection: The skeletal system also serves to protect the organs and soft tissues of our body. For example, the brain remains protected by the skull, the rib cage guards the heart and lungs while the spinal cord protects the spine from external injury and force.
However, body heat is generated due to exothermic processes that take place in the body, especially by the liver, heart, brain. The contraction of the muscles can also generate body heat. Therefore, body heat is the result of metabolism, rather than being a function of the skeletal system.
Therefore, we can infer that option (c) is correct.

Note: The human skeletal system comprises bones and joints. It is divided into the axial and appendicular skeletons. The appendicular skeleton includes the pectoral and pectoral girdles and the limbs, while the axial skeleton comprises the vertebral column, ribcage and skull. The major functions of the skeletal system are hematopoiesis, storing minerals, providing protection to the internal organs and movement or locomotion.