In this chapter we'll look at the anatomy and physiology of bone tissue. In Chapter 7 we'll name the major bones that make up the human skeleton. Functions Some of these are pretty obvious to you - our bones provide support for other tissues and protect underlying tissues. For example the skull bones protect the brain, and the ribs protect the thoracic organs.
Skeletal muscles attach to bones, and when they contract they pull on the bones - causing movement.
When your blood supply of calcium runs low, calcium can be reabsorbed from bone tissue. Calcium is needed for proper nervous system function, and is also necessary for the contraction of muscles. Blood cells are formed in the red bone marrow, which is found in the ends of our long bones, and also in flat bones, like the sternum. There is an outer collar of long bone, with spongy bone inside. Short bones have a thin compact bone outer layer, and are filled with spongy bone.