What is the primary function of the skeletal system?

The primary function of the skeletal system is to provide support and protect vital organs. The skeletal system serves as the framework for the body, giving it shape and stability. It is crucial for maintaining posture and standing upright.

In addition to support, the skeletal system also plays a protective role by encasing and shielding vital organs. For instance, the skull encases the brain, and the ribcage protects the heart and lungs. This protective function is essential for the survival of these critical organs, as it helps prevent injury from external forces.

While the other options do describe important functions of the skeletal system, they are not its primary purpose. Enabling movement and locomotion is facilitated by the skeletal system but relies on its interaction with the muscular system. Producing blood cells in the marrow is a significant function of certain bones, particularly in the long bones and in the axial skeleton, but it is one of many functions rather than the primary role. Storing calcium and nutrients is also an important function of bones, as they act as reservoirs for minerals, which are crucial for various bodily functions, but again, support and protection are foundational to the skeletal system's primary purpose.