Which of the following is a primary role of the skeleton besides movement?

• A. Protection of internal organs
• B. Vitamin storage
• C. Neural signaling
• D. Gas exchange

Answer: (A)

Protecting internal organs is a major role of the skeleton besides enabling movement. Bones surround and shield delicate tissues: the skull encases the brain, the rib cage protects the heart and lungs, the vertebral column guards the spinal cord, and the pelvis shields pelvic organs. While bones also store minerals such as calcium and phosphate and host bone marrow for blood cell formation, their protective function is a key secondary role.

The other options don’t fit because vitamins aren’t stored in bone (the skeleton primarily stores minerals); neural signaling is a function of the nervous system rather than the skeleton; and gas exchange occurs in the lungs and circulatory system, not in bones.