Axial skeleton
Central axis of body
The axial skeleton is the part of the skeleton that consists of the bones that support and protect the central axis of the body. It includes the skull, vertebral column, and ribcage.
The skull is the most complex part of the axial skeleton, consisting of over 20 bones that serve to protect the brain, as well as provide attachment sites for muscles that control facial expression and mastication. The skull is divided into two main parts: the cranium and the face. The cranium surrounds and protects the brain, while the face is responsible for housing the sensory organs, such as the eyes, ears, and nose.
The vertebral column, or spinal column, is another important component of the axial skeleton. It consists of 33 individual vertebrae that are separated by intervertebral discs. The vertebral column serves a number of crucial functions, including supporting the head and trunk, protecting the spinal cord, providing a flexible axis for movement, and allowing for the attachment of muscles and ligaments.
The ribcage is the final part of the axial skeleton, consisting of 12 pairs of ribs that connect to the thoracic vertebrae at the back and the sternum at the front. The ribcage serves to protect the heart and lungs while allowing for respiration.
Together, these three main components of the axial skeleton provide the structural foundation for the human body, allowing for both protection and movement.
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