Which is a principal function of the skeletal system?

The principal function of the skeletal system is to provide a framework for the body, facilitating movement. The bones serve as levers that muscles pull on, allowing for a range of motions necessary for activities such as walking, running, and lifting. Additionally, the skeletal system supports the body’s structure and protects vital organs, while also playing a crucial role in the storage of minerals and the production of blood cells within the bone marrow.

In relation to the other options, cutaneous sensation refers to the sensations we perceive through the skin, which is primarily associated with the integumentary system. Hormone production, while an important function in the body, is more closely related to glands in the endocrine system. Pain perception is predominantly mediated by the nervous system and involves sensory receptors that are not specific to bone structure or function. Therefore, movement stands out as a central and defining role of the skeletal system.