Which of the following is NOT a function of the skeletal system?
ASupporting the body's shape
BProducing blood cells in bone marrow
CDigesting food
DProtecting internal organs
The skeletal system supports the body, protects organs (skull protects the brain, ribs protect the heart and lungs), and produces blood cells in the marrow of certain bones. Digesting food is the job of the digestive system, not the skeletal system.
Question 2 True / False
Bones are non-living structures that cannot grow or repair themselves.
TTrue
FFalse
Answer: False
Bones are living tissue made of cells (osteocytes), supplied by blood vessels, and capable of growth and repair. When a bone breaks, the body forms new bone tissue to heal the fracture. Bones continue to be remodeled throughout life as old bone is broken down and new bone is formed.
Question 3 Short Answer
Explain why the skull and rib cage are shaped differently and how their shapes relate to their functions.
Think about your answer, then reveal below.
Model answer: The skull is a hard, rounded case that completely surrounds and protects the brain. The rib cage is a flexible, cage-like structure that protects the heart and lungs while still allowing the chest to expand and contract for breathing. Their shapes match their jobs — the skull needs to be solid because the brain cannot tolerate impact, while the ribs need to be flexible to allow lung expansion.
This connects structure to function — a key theme in biology. Rigid enclosure protects the brain; flexible enclosure protects organs that need to move. Different functions require different shapes.