What are the functions of bones?

Bones serve several critical functions in the body. These can be categorized as mechanical, metabolic, and synthetic functions. 

Mechanical Functions 

Mechanical function of the bones include: 

• Providing a framework that give the human body its structure
• Protecting the internal organs such as the skull that protects the brain, and the ribs that protect the heart and lungs
• Forming attachment points for various joints, tendons, ligaments, and skeletal muscles

Metabolic Functions

Bones serve several metabolic function including: 

• Acting as a mineral reservoir for storing calcium and phosphate
• Maintaining the calcium balance in the body through the process of bone resorption in which calcium is released into the bloodstream
• Maintaining the acid-base balance in the body by releasing alkaline salts into the bloodstream
• Storage of fatty acids in the adipose tissue in the bone marrow
• Regulating fat deposition and blood sugar levels by releasing the enzyme osteocalcin
• Reducing negative effect of heavy metals and other foreign elements by absorbing them from tissue

Synthetic Functions

Synthetic functions of bone include: 

• Hematopoiesis and generation of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets are carried out in bone marrow in bone
• Defective red blood cells are destroyed in the bone marrow in bone