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Axial Skeleton - Anatomy & Physiology

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Terms in this set (20)

  • What is the axial skeleton?

    The axial skeleton consists of the bones along the central axis of the body, including the skull, vertebral column, and thoracic cage.

  • Which bones make up the skull in the axial skeleton?

    The skull includes the cranial bones and facial bones.

  • What is the function of the vertebral column?

    The vertebral column supports the head, protects the spinal cord, and provides attachment points for ribs and muscles.

  • How many vertebrae are in the vertebral column?

    There are typically 33 vertebrae divided into cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal regions.

  • What bones form the thoracic cage?

    The thoracic cage is formed by the thoracic vertebrae, ribs, and sternum.

  • What is the primary function of the thoracic cage?

    The thoracic cage protects vital organs like the heart and lungs and supports the shoulder girdle and upper limbs.

  • Name the three parts of the sternum.

    The sternum consists of the manubrium, body, and xiphoid process.

  • How many pairs of ribs are there in the human body?

    There are 12 pairs of ribs in the human body.

  • What distinguishes true ribs from false ribs?

    True ribs attach directly to the sternum; false ribs attach indirectly or not at all.

  • What are floating ribs?

    Floating ribs are the last two pairs of ribs that do not attach to the sternum at all.

  • What is the function of the cranial bones?

    Cranial bones protect the brain and provide attachment sites for head and neck muscles.

  • What is the role of the facial bones?

    Facial bones form the structure of the face and provide cavities for sensory organs.

  • Which vertebrae are located in the neck region?

    The cervical vertebrae are located in the neck region and consist of 7 vertebrae.

  • What is the significance of the atlas and axis vertebrae?

    The atlas supports the skull; the axis allows head rotation.

  • How do lumbar vertebrae differ from thoracic vertebrae?

    Lumbar vertebrae are larger and support more weight; thoracic vertebrae have rib facets.

  • What bones form the base of the axial skeleton?

    The sacrum and coccyx form the base of the axial skeleton.

  • What is the sacrum?

    The sacrum is a triangular bone formed by fused vertebrae that connects the spine to the pelvis.

  • What is the coccyx?

    The coccyx, or tailbone, is the small bone at the base of the vertebral column made of fused vertebrae.

  • Why is the axial skeleton important for posture?

    The axial skeleton provides the central framework that supports the body and maintains posture.

  • How does the axial skeleton protect the central nervous system?

    The skull protects the brain, and the vertebral column protects the spinal cord.