An extremely vital role that our skeletons do is provide protection. All of our vital organs are contained within the body cavity. Our rib cage, spine, and sternum create a cavity that houses and protects our lungs, heart, and some of the biggest blood vessels in our bodies. One of the most vital pieces to a functioning human is protected by our skulls. The human brain sits inside the skull suspended in a fluid. Along with the brain, our eyes also housed and protected by our skull. The spine and hip bone provide an area for the intestinal track to lie in while providing some protection for it. There are also a few bones that actually provide protection for other bones. The knee cap protects our knees when we bang them into things. Without the knee cap impacts would hit directly on the joint portion of the leg bones leading to bad injuries. Another example is the ulna bone. It provides protection for the elbow just as the knee cap does for the knee.
Our bones are also responsible for the production of our blood. The process of making blood is called haematopoiesis. The blood cells are created inside of our bones in an area called bone marrow. Our bone marrow is equal to about 4% of out total body weight. There are two types of marrow, yellow and red. Blood cell creation takes place in the red marrow. When we're first born all of our marrow is red but slowly some of it turns to yellow. A very neat thing our bodies can do in a time where our bodies suffer extreme blood loss it can turn yellow marrow back to red to help aid in blood production. Red marrow is mainly found in flat bones. Our hip, breast, cranium, ribs, vertebrae, and shoulder blades are major areas of blood cell production. Other areas where it is found is found at the ends of most other bones, especially the long bones found in our arms and legs. Another vital role that happens in the bone marrow is the creation of lymphocytes. These play a vital role in our immune system to help keep us strong and healthy.
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