What is the bones that comprise axial skeleton?

Bones of the Axial Skeleton

The axial skeleton is composed of the bones that form the central axis of the body. It includes the skull, the vertebral column, and the rib cage.

Skull

The skull is the bony framework of the head. It protects the brain, the eyes, the ears, and the nose. The skull is composed of 22 bones, which are divided into two main groups: the cranium and the facial bones.

The cranium is the upper part of the skull. It is composed of 8 bones, which include the frontal bone, the parietal bones, the temporal bones, the occipital bone, and the sphenoid bone.

The facial bones are the bones of the face. They are composed of 14 bones, which include the nasal bones, the maxillae, the zygomatic bones, the mandible, and the lacrimal bones.

Vertebral Column

The vertebral column, also known as the spine or the backbone, is a flexible column of bones that runs from the base of the skull to the tailbone. The vertebral column is composed of 33 bones, which are divided into five regions:

* Cervical vertebrae (7 bones): The cervical vertebrae are the bones of the neck.

* Thoracic vertebrae (12 bones): The thoracic vertebrae are the bones of the upper back.

* Lumbar vertebrae (5 bones): The lumbar vertebrae are the bones of the lower back.

* Sacrum (5 fused bones): The sacrum is the triangular bone at the base of the spine.

* Coccyx (4 fused bones): The coccyx is the tailbone.

Rib Cage

The rib cage is a bony structure that encloses the heart and the lungs. The rib cage is composed of 12 pairs of ribs, which are attached to the thoracic vertebrae. The ribs are connected to the sternum, a flat bone in the front of the chest, by cartilage.

Functions of the Axial Skeleton

The axial skeleton has several important functions, including:

* Protecting the vital organs

* Supporting the body

* Providing a framework for movement

* Producing blood cells

* Storing minerals