Skeletal System PDF

Name: ________________________ 20 Curriculum Connection B2.1, B2.2 What is the Skeletal System? The skeletal system is all of the bones in our bodies. We need our skeletal system to provide us with support, so we can be upright and not flop around like a jellyfish. When babies are born, they have ar...

Name: ________________________ 20 Curriculum Connection B2.1, B2.2 What is the Skeletal System? The skeletal system is all of the bones in our bodies. We need our skeletal system to provide us with support, so we can be upright and not flop around like a jellyfish. When babies are born, they have around 300 bones. As babies grow, some of their bones fuse together, which leaves an adult with 206 bones when fully grown. Bones Our bones are made of living connective tissue that are reinforced with calcium. That is why you have likely been told that milk is good for your bones! Our bones are attached by ligaments in our bodies. Our bones have bone marrow in them. Bone marrow is a spongy substance found in the middle of our bones. Bone marrow makes the white blood cells we need to fight infection and the red blood cells our bodies need to carry oxygen. Why We Need Our Skeletal System The skeletal system has more than just one job! Here are some important functions it does for us: 1 - Support Yes, the most obvious function is that it allows us to stay upright. Humans are lucky to walk on 2 legs, which allows our arms to be free to do things we want. 2 - Protection Our bones protect our internal organs. Our internal organs are the organs inside our body. For example, our rib cage protects our heart and lungs. Our skull protects our brain. Our spine protects our spinal cord. 3 – Movement Our bones hold our muscles in place and allow our muscles to move us. Without our bones holding our muscles, we would be a blob on the ground! 4 – Blood © Super Simple Sheets Our bones produce white and red blood cells. supersimplesheets.com