By Muhsin Idris
Our skeleton is like a strong frame that supports our body and helps us stand and move around. It is made up of 206 bones that are strong and hard, different shapes and sizes. The bones work together to protect our organs and they are connected at the joints, which allow us to bend and move our bodies.
Some joints like the ones in our elbows and knees are designed for strength and stability while the ones in our fingers and wrist are flexible. When our bodies move, the muscles attached to the bones pull on them causing them to bend and straighten. The skeleton plays an important role in the production of blood cells. The bone marrow is found inside some bones, and produces red and white blood cells. Red blood cell carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body while white blood cell helps fight infection.
Bones protect important parts of our body. The skull is like a helmet that protects our brain and rib cage. It acts like a shield around our heart and lungs that helps keep them safe from injuries. The skeleton also stores important minerals like calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for the proper functioning of our body and are released into the blood streams. The skeleton has helped us to reserve these minerals and give them to the body when it needs them.
Our skeleton does so many amazing things; it helps us to move, it protects our internal organs and it produces blood cells. Taking care of our bones is important so we can continue to move, jump and grow very strong.
Fun fact about the skeleton
Did you know that babies are born with around 300 bones but as they grow some bones join together to make 206?
Do you know that the smallest bone in the body is in the ear called “stapes” and it is smaller than a grain of rice?
And the longest bone is called the “femur” and it is located in the bottom part of our leg.
Muhsin is of I Scholars International Academy, Gwarinpa, Abuja
