Final answer:
The function of the skeletal system is to provide protection to internal organs. Bones such as the skull, rib cage, and pelvic girdle form protective barriers around vital organs and the skeletal system also plays roles in support, movement, and blood cell production.
Step-by-step explanation:
Providing protection to internal organs.
The skeletal system has several vital functions, among which protecting internal organs is paramount. The bones of the skeleton form structures such as the skull, rib cage, and pelvic girdle, which surround and shield the brain, heart, lungs, and other vital organs from physical damage. Apart from this protective role, the skeletal system also supports the body's structure, facilitates movement through its articulation with muscles, stores and releases minerals and fat, and is the site of blood cell production within the bone marrow.
For example, the skull protects the brain from injury, while the ribs form a cage around the heart and lungs. Moreover, the vertebrae encase the spinal cord, offering protection to the nervous system's communication pathways.
Overall, the skeletal system is integral to maintaining the physical integrity of an organism, enabling it to interact with its environment effectively while safeguarding its complex internal processes.