Axial skeleton

The axial skeleton consists of the bones in the head and trunk of a vertebrate body. It is composed of three major parts; the skull, the bony thorax (i.e. the ribs and sternum), and the vertebral column. The axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton together form the complete skeleton.

Contents

Overview

Protective or flat bones house the brain spinal cord and other vital organs the purpose of the axial skeleton (among other things) is to protect the bodies most vital organs. All vertebrates have an axial skeleton. This article mainly deals with the axial skeletons of humans; however, it is important to understand the evolutionary lineage of the axial skeleton.

Skull

main article Skull

Vertebral Column

main article Vertebral column

Thorax

main article Chest

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