Scribd
Upload
274 views2 pages

Axial Skeleton: Structure and Function

The axial skeleton consists of 80 bones including the 26 vertebrae that make up the spinal column, the 12 pairs of ribs and sternum that form the rib cage, and the 22 bones that compose the skull. The spine is supported by ligaments and muscles like the erector spinae which aid with balance. The skeleton provides structure, supports the body, and maintains its shape while protecting vital organs like the brain, spinal cord, heart, lungs, and blood vessels through bones such as the skull, vertebrae, rib cage, sternum, clavicle, and scapula.

Uploaded by

Vivek Agarwal
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
274 views2 pages

Axial Skeleton: Structure and Function

The axial skeleton consists of 80 bones including the 26 vertebrae that make up the spinal column, the 12 pairs of ribs and sternum that form the rib cage, and the 22 bones that compose the skull. The spine is supported by ligaments and muscles like the erector spinae which aid with balance. The skeleton provides structure, supports the body, and maintains its shape while protecting vital organs like the brain, spinal cord, heart, lungs, and blood vessels through bones such as the skull, vertebrae, rib cage, sternum, clavicle, and scapula.

Uploaded by

Vivek Agarwal
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Axial skeleton

The axial skeleton (80 bones) is formed by the vertebral column (26), the rib cage (12 pairs of ribs and the sternum), and the skull(22 bones). The bones of the spine are supported by many ligaments. The erectors spinae muscles are also supporting and are useful for balance.

Function
Support
The skeleton provides the framework which supports the body and maintains its shape. The pelvis, associated ligaments and muscles provide a floor for the pelvic structures.

Protection
The skeleton protects many vital organs:

The skull protects the brain, the eyes, and the middle and inner ears. The vertebrae protect the spinal cord. The rib cage, spine, and sternum protect the human lungs, human heart and major blood vessels. The clavicle and scapula protect the shoulder. The carpals and tarsals protect the wrist and ankle respectively.

You might also like