Skeletal+System+AG

Allie Gruber Human Bio Field Period 1 October 3, 2008

Skeletal System

1. What are the four main functions of the skeleton? (p. 208) Supporting the body, protecting soft body parts, producing blood cells and permits flexible body movement.

2. What is the difference between cartilage and bone? (p.208) Cartilage is not as strong as bone, but it is more flexible because the matrix is gel-like and contains many collagenous and elastic fibers.

3. Why is vitamin D important to bone growth? How do we get vitamin D? (p. 212) Vitamin D is formed in the skin when it is exposed to sunlight, but it can also be consumed in the diet. In the kidneys, vitamin D is converted to a hormone that acts on the intestinal tract. The vitamin D’s chief purpose is intestinal absorption of calcium.