What is the primary role of the skeletal system?

The primary role of the skeletal system is to provide structure, protect vital organs, and enable movement. The skeletal system is the framework of the body, consisting of bones, cartilage, and ligaments. It supports the body by giving it shape and allowing it to stand upright. Additionally, the bones protect important organs; for example, the skull encases the brain, and the rib cage shields the heart and lungs.

Movement is another critical function of the skeletal system. Bones work in conjunction with muscles to facilitate movement; when muscles contract, they pull on the bones to create motion. This interconnected system is essential for both voluntary movements, like walking, and involuntary ones, such as reflex actions.

While hormones are produced in various glands throughout the body, digestion is the role of the gastrointestinal system, and temperature regulation is primarily managed by the integumentary system (skin and other associated structures). Therefore, the function of the skeletal system uniquely encompasses the aspects highlighted in the correct answer.