What is the main function of the skeletal system?

The main function of the skeletal system is to provide structure and support to the body. This system serves as the framework that gives the body its shape, allowing for the attachment of muscles and facilitating movement. The bones of the skeleton also play a crucial role in maintaining posture and balance, which are essential for various activities ranging from walking to standing.

Additionally, while the skeletal system does offer protection to vital organs, such as the rib cage protecting the heart and lungs, the primary role is more about structural support overall rather than just serving as a protective barrier. The production of hormones is primarily a function associated with the endocrine system, particularly glands, while the regulation of temperature is managed by the integumentary system (skin) and other physiological processes, not the skeletal system. Thus, providing structure and support is the foundational role that encompasses the functions of the skeletal system.