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Axial Skeleton Anatomy & Physiology

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  • Axial skeleton
    The part of the skeleton forming the long axis of the body, including the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage.
  • Appendicular skeleton
    The part of the skeleton consisting of the limbs and girdles that attach them to the axial skeleton.
  • Bones of the axial skeleton
    Includes the skull bones, vertebrae of the vertebral column, ribs, and sternum.
  • Cranial bones
    Bones that form the protective case around the brain.
  • Facial bones
    Bones that form the framework of the face.
  • Major sutures of the skull
    Includes the coronal, sagittal, lambdoid, and squamous sutures.
  • Paranasal sinuses
    Air-filled cavities in certain skull bones that lighten the skull and enhance voice resonance.
  • Vertebral column functions
    Supports the head and trunk, protects the spinal cord, and provides attachment points for ribs and muscles.
  • Spinal curvatures
    Curves in the vertebral column that increase strength, flexibility, and shock absorption.
  • Intervertebral discs
    Pads of fibrocartilage between vertebrae that act as shock absorbers and allow movement.
  • Typical vertebra anatomy
    Consists of a vertebral body, vertebral arch, and several processes for muscle attachment and articulation.
  • Cervical vertebrae characteristics
    Small body, large vertebral foramen, transverse foramina, and bifid spinous processes.
  • Thoracic vertebrae characteristics
    Medium-sized body, long spinous process, and facets for rib articulation.
  • Lumbar vertebrae characteristics
    Large body, short and thick spinous process, designed to bear more weight.
  • Intervertebral foramina
    Openings between vertebrae through which spinal nerves exit.
  • Vertebral canal
    The central passage formed by vertebral foramina that houses the spinal cord.
  • Bony thorax components
    Includes the sternum, ribs, and thoracic vertebrae.
  • Rib anatomy
    Consists of a head, neck, tubercle, and shaft.
  • True ribs
    Ribs 1-7 that attach directly to the sternum via costal cartilage.
  • False ribs
    Ribs 8-12 that do not attach directly to the sternum; ribs 8-10 attach via cartilage of rib 7.
  • Floating ribs
    Ribs 11-12 that have no anterior attachment to the sternum.
  • Fetal skull fontanels
    Soft spots on a baby's skull where bones have not yet fused, allowing brain growth and easier birth.
  • Advantages of fontanels
    Permit skull flexibility during birth and allow rapid brain growth during infancy.