axial skeleton

Examples of axial skeleton in the following topics:

• The Axial Skeleton

• Overview of the Axial Skeleton

  • The axial skeleton consists of the 80 bones along the central axis of the human body.
  • The axial skeleton consists of the 80 bones along the central axis of the human body.
  • The axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton together form the complete skeleton.
  • The word "axial" is taken from the word "axis" and refers to the fact that the bones are located close to or along the central axis of the body.
  • The human rib cage, also known as the thoracic cage, is a bony and cartilaginous structure which surrounds the thoracic cavity and supports the pectoral girdle, forming a core portion of the human skeleton.

• Divisions of the Skeletal System: Axial and Appendicular

  • The skeletal system is divided into two distinct divisions: the axial skeleton and the appendicular system.
  • It is a complex structure with two distinct divisions: the axial and the appendicular skeletons.
  • The axial skeleton consists of the 80 bones along the central axis of the human body.
  • Functionally, it is involved in locomotion (lower limbs and pelvic girdle) of the axial skeleton and manipulation of objects in the environment (upper limbs and pectoral girdle) .
  • Differentiate the purpose and the number of bones of the axial and appendicular skeletons

• The Axial Skeleton

  • The axial skeleton is the part of the skeleton that consists of the bones of the head and trunk of a vertebrate animal including humans.
  • The word "axial" is from the word "axis" and refers to how the bones of the axial skeleton are located along the central axis of the body.
  • The human’s axial skeleton is composed of 80 bones and is the central core of the body.
  • Primary Function of the Axial Skeleton: The axial skeleton functions to support and protect the organs of the dorsal and ventral cavities.
  • Image depicting the human skeleton with the axial skeleton highlighted in blue.

• Overview of the Appendicular Skeleton

  • In the human body, the appendicular skeleton is unfused (unlike the axial skeleton), which allows for a much greater range of motion.
  • The appendicular skeleton is composed of 126 bones.
  • Note that these areas may include other bones that are not a part of the appendicular skeleton; they are instead a part of the axial skeleton.
  • The femur, tibia, patella, and fibula are all a part of the appendicular skeleton.
  • The appendicular skeleton is composed of the six major regions shown here.

• The Appendicular Skeleton

  • The appendicular skeleton includes the skeletal elements within the limbs, as well as supporting pectoral and pelvic girdles.
  • The appendicular skeleton includes the skeletal elements within the limbs, as well as supporting pectoral and pelvic girdles.
  • The bones of the pectoral girdle consist of two bones (scapula and clavicle) and anchor the upper limb to the thoracic cage of the axial skeleton.
  • Each hip bone is joined to the axial skeleton by its attachment to the sacrum of the vertebral column.
  • Image depicting the human skeleton with the appendicular skeleton colored red.

• Ankylosing Spondylitis

  • Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the axial skeleton with variable involvement of peripheral joints and nonarticular structures.

• Rib Fracture, Dislocation, and Separation

  • Joint dislocations and rib cage fractures are painful but treatable injuries involving the axial skeleton.

• Organization of Motor Neuron Pathways

  • The ventromedial lower motor neurons control the large, postural muscles of the axial skeleton.

• The Appendicular Skeleton