What are the primary functions of the skeletal system?

The primary functions of the skeletal system include providing protection to vital organs, offering support to the body, and facilitating blood cell production. The skeletal system serves as a protective framework; for instance, the skull encases the brain, while the rib cage safeguards the heart and lungs. In terms of support, bones create a structural framework that gives the body its shape and supports the weight of tissues and organs.

Additionally, bone tissue plays a crucial role in hematopoiesis, the process of blood cell production, which occurs mainly in the bone marrow. Thus, the skeletal system is integral not only for structural integrity but also for the maintenance of essential physiological processes.

The other options, while they describe functions related to the skeletal system, do not capture the complete range of primary functions. For instance, while muscle attachment and movement are certainly important, they do not encompass the protective and blood-producing functions of the skeletal system.