Which of the following is a primary function of the skeletal system?

• A. Protects internal organs
• B. Supports soft tissue, protection from injury, movements at joints, provides mineral reservoir, and produces blood cells
• C. Regulates body temperature
• D. Absorbs nutrients

Answer: (B)

The skeleton does a lot more than just hold the body up. Its primary roles include providing a framework that supports the body, protecting vital organs, enabling movement at joints with muscles, storing minerals like calcium and phosphorus, and producing blood cells in bone marrow. The option that lists all of these essential functions is the best choice because it captures the full range of tasks the skeletal system performs. While protecting internal organs is real, mentioning only that function is incomplete because the skeleton also supports, moves, stores minerals, and makes blood cells. The other statements describe functions that belong to other body systems (temperature regulation and nutrient absorption), so they don’t describe the skeletal system.