How many functions does the skeleton serve in the body?

The skeleton serves multiple essential functions in the body, and the total is indeed six. These functions include providing structural support, protecting vital organs, facilitating movement by providing leverage for muscles, storing minerals (such as calcium and phosphorus), producing blood cells in the bone marrow (hematopoiesis), and storing fat in the bone cavities. Each of these functions plays a critical role in maintaining overall health and enabling the body to perform various activities efficiently. Understanding these functions highlights the importance of the skeletal system beyond simply being a framework for the body.