Which of the following is a function of long bones?

Long bones play a critical role in facilitating movement and providing structural support in the body. They have a unique shape, characterized by a long shaft (diaphysis) and two ends (epiphyses), which allows them to withstand various forces during activities such as walking, running, and jumping. Their structure also contributes to the leverage needed by muscles to create movement around joints.

Additionally, long bones are central to maintaining posture and stability, giving the body its overall framework. The attachment points for muscles and the way these bones connect with other bones at joints enhance their role in mobility.

Other functions related to long bones, such as serving as a site for blood cell production (which occurs in the bone marrow found within long bones) and providing protection for organs (which is more characteristic of flat and irregular bones), reinforce their multifaceted roles in the skeletal system. However, the primary function that highlights their importance in both movement and support is their structural design.