Anatomy of the Axial Skeleton

Questions and Answers

To protect the brain and sensory organs

To protect the heart and lungs

To provide a framework for the body's muscles, organs, and tissues Signup and view all the answers

5 Signup and view all the answers

Both endochondral and intramembranous ossification Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The axial skeleton consists of 80 bones that make up the central axis of the body.

Cranium: 22 bones that form the skull
- Protects the brain
- Contains the sensory organs (eyes, ears, nose, mouth)
Vertebral column: 33 bones that form the spine
- Supports the head and body
- Protects the spinal cord
Thoracic cage: 28 bones that form the ribcage
- Protects the heart and lungs
- Provides attachment points for muscles

Support: Provides a framework for the body's muscles, organs, and tissues
Protection: Protects vital organs such as the brain, heart, and lungs
Movement: Allows for movement and flexibility through the vertebral column and joints

Vertebrae: The 33 bones of the vertebral column are divided into 5 regions:
1. Cervical (7)
2. Thoracic (12)
3. Lumbar (5)
4. Sacrum (5 fused)
5. Coccyx (4 fused)
Rib types: There are 3 types of ribs:
1. True ribs (1-7)
2. False ribs (8-10)
3. Floating ribs (11-12)

The axial skeleton develops from the embryonic mesoderm
Ossification (bone formation) occurs through endochondral ossification (cartilage model) and intramembranous ossification (direct bone formation)

Cranium: 22 bones forming the skull, protecting the brain and containing sensory organs
Vertebral column: 33 bones forming the spine, supporting the head and body, and protecting the spinal cord
Thoracic cage: 28 bones forming the ribcage, protecting the heart and lungs, and providing attachment points for muscles

Support: Provides a framework for the body's muscles, organs, and tissues
Protection: Protects vital organs such as the brain, heart, and lungs
Movement: Allows for movement and flexibility through the vertebral column and joints

Vertebrae: 33 bones divided into 5 regions: cervical (7), thoracic (12), lumbar (5), sacrum (5 fused), and coccyx (4 fused)
Rib types: 3 types of ribs: true ribs (1-7), false ribs (8-10), and floating ribs (11-12)

Develops from the embryonic mesoderm
Ossification occurs through endochondral ossification (cartilage model) and intramembranous ossification (direct bone formation)