Axial Skeleton

• Skull

  • Consists of Cranium and facial bones
  • Cranium consists of 8 flat bones that are immovable joints with sutures.
  • Protects the brain
  • All facial bones are immovable except the mandible.
  • Humans have 32 teeth(same number and type on upper and lower jaw)
• Vertebral Column

  • Vertebrae column has 33 bones
  • The first 24 vertebrae are separate bones are known as true vertebrae.
  • The last 9 are fused together into two group called false vertebrae. (5-sacrum & 4-coccyx)
  • The atlas is the first cervical vertebrae allowing for nodding movement
  • The axis is the second cervical vertebrae allowing for rotation.

  Functions:

  • Supports skull
  • Protects spinal chord
  • Provides flexibility and absorbs shock.
• Rib Cage

  • Has 12 pairs of ribs and a sternum
  • Sternum is a flat bone
  • All ribs are attached to the vertebral column
  • True ribs - first 7 pairs are attached directly to sternum
  • False rib - next 3 pairs are attached to the 7th rib
  • Floating ribs aren’t attached to anything.

  Functions

  • Protect organs in thoracic cavity.
  • Plays role in breathing.