Long bones are cylindrical and have a length greater than their width, for example, the femur. The MCAT syllabus further breaks down the skeletal structure in to: When there are fluctuations in the mineral balance of the bloodstream, minerals are either taken from the bones or stored in the bones to bring them back to a steady state. Calcium storageĪs mentioned above, calcium is an important mineral that gives strength to the skeleton, but bones are also used as a storage space for minerals such as phosphorus and calcium. For example, the spine (vertebral column) protects your spinal cord which would otherwise be susceptible to damage when doing things like sitting in chairs or even lying down in bed. Skeletal bones are made of calcium that give strength and rigidity to the skeleton, allowing them to be able to protect vulnerable internal organs that would otherwise get severely damaged from day to day activities. The skeleton provides a rigid structure inside the body that supports the body, as well as provides an area for muscles to attach to, enabling locomotion.

The following guide will provide an overview of these key topic areas to support you to prepare well for the exam and achieve a good MCAT score. As part of this, the syllabus identifies the following areas which you need to know for the exam:

The Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems section of the MCAT includes the skeletal system.

Function of flat bones