Questions and Answers
What is the role of the axial skeleton in maintaining upright posture?
Transmitting weight from the head, trunk, and upper extremities down to the lower extremities
Which component is included in the vertebral column of the axial skeleton?
24 vertebrae bones
How many bones make up the thoracic cage of the axial skeleton?
25
Which part of the human body does the axial skeleton protect?
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How many bones compose the human skeleton at birth?
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What is the main function of the appendicular skeleton?
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Which type of bones is mainly involved in storing minerals and lipids?
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What is the functional unit of the hematopoietic system found in the skeleton?
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Which part of the human skeleton has adapted to the needs of bipedal locomotion and erect posture?
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What do bones primarily provide for muscles to attach themselves onto?
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Study Notes
The Skeleton: An Essential Framework for the Human Body
The human skeleton is the internal framework of the human body, composed of around 270 bones at birth, which decreases to around 206 bones by adulthood. It plays a crucial role in providing support, protection, movement, and various other functions. The skeleton can be divided into two main parts: the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton.
Axial Skeleton
The axial skeleton is the central core of the human body, consisting of the following components:
- Skull: Includes 8 cranial bones, 14 facial bones, 6 auditory ossicles, and the hyoid bone.
- Thoracic Cage: Includes 25 bones of the thorax (a breastbone and 24 ribs).
- Vertebral Column: Includes 24 vertebrae bones, the sacrum bone, and the coccyx bone.
The axial skeleton performs several functions, including:
- Maintaining upright posture: The axial skeleton, along with ligaments and muscles, allows the human body to maintain its upright posture.
- Protecting internal organs: The bones of the axial skeleton protect the brain, heart, and lungs.
- Transmitting weight: The axial skeleton transmits weight from the head, trunk, and upper extremities down to the lower extremities.
Appendicular Skeleton
The appendicular skeleton is attached to the axial skeleton and is composed of 126 bones, including the pelvic girdle, upper limbs, lower limbs, and shoulder girdle. It performs the following functions:
- Movement: Bones provide the basic structure for muscles to attach themselves onto, allowing the body to move.
- Protection: Bones protect the internal organs and provide a framework for the attachment of muscles and ligaments.
- Storage: The bone matrix of the skeletal system is mainly involved in storing minerals and lipids.
The human skeleton is unique in that it has adapted to the needs of bipedal locomotion and erect posture. It is divided into two types of bones: compact (cortical) bone and cancellous (woven) bone, with varying quantities depending on the location. The skeleton also contains bone marrow, which is the functional unit of the hematopoietic system.
In summary, the human skeleton is an essential framework for the human body, providing support, protection, movement, and various other functions. It consists of the axial and appendicular skeletons, which work together to maintain the body's upright posture, protect internal organs, and enable movement.
