American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a function of bones?

1. Support the body

2. Produce hormones

3. Protect vital organs

4. Store minerals

The correct answer is: Produce hormones

The choice indicating that producing hormones is not a function of bones is correct because bones primarily serve structural and protective roles in the body, which are essential for maintaining overall health and physiology. Bones provide support to the body, giving it shape and allowing for movement in conjunction with muscles. They also play a key role in protecting vital organs; for instance, the skull protects the brain and the rib cage shields the heart and lungs. Additionally, bones act as a reservoir for storing essential minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus, which are crucial for various bodily functions, including bone health and metabolic processes. While certain bones, specifically those in the body's marrow, are involved in hematopoiesis (the production of blood cells), and some studies suggest that bone tissue might indirectly influence the regulation of some hormones, the direct production of hormones is not attributed to the primary functions of bones. Instead, this function is more typically associated with other organs, such as the endocrine glands. Therefore, recognizing that bones do not primarily produce hormones clarifies their main functions in supporting, protecting, and storing essential substances within the body.