AY Honors/Bones, Muscles, and Movement/Answer Key

What's the difference between exoskeletons and endoskeletons? Which type of skeleton do humans have?

An exoskeleton is a hard shell on the outside of a creature (such as an insect or a lobster). An endoskeleton is the system of bones on the inside of a creature (such as a human, dog, cat, or a bird).

List three functions of the skeletal system.

The skeletal system provides support to a body. Without a skeleton, a creature would be a shapeless blob. The marrow inside bones produces blood cells. The skeletal system protects the internal organs from physical harm. Bones serve as a place where the body can store minerals for later use. Bones also serve as levers against which the muscles pull to accomplish motion.

Is bone a living tissue? Explain why or why not.

Bone is living tissue. Were it not so, it could not produce blood cells, nor could bones heal after being broken. Bones cells continually regenerate themselves.