Cervical is a word that means “related to the neck.” The next 12 are called thoracic vertebrae. The top 7 vertebrae are called cervical vertebrae. The vertebral column is further divided into 5 sections as shown in Figure 4. The vertebral column is a stack of bones called vertebrae that are positioned along the posterior of the body. The vertebrae near the top of the vertebral column are smaller and more delicate than those near the bottom because the bottom of the vertebral column supports significantly more of your body weight than the top.ĭefinition: Vertebral Column (Spinal Column/Spine) The vertebral column is made of a stack of irregularly shaped bones called vertebrae. The base of the skull is directly attached to the top of the vertebral column, also called the spine or the spinal column. Therefore, we can conclude that a primary function of the skull is to protect the brain from injury. These especially hard and immobile bones are adapted to protect the brain, which is made of soft, delicate nervous tissue. The posterior skull is made of mostly thin, platelike bones. They anchor the muscles we use for chewing food, speaking, and making facial expressions. These bones form the eye sockets, the nose, and the jaw. The anterior skull is made of the irregular bones of the face. It consists of the posterior skull, which is the rear part of the skull, and the anterior skull, which is the front part. The skull consists of the bones found within the head.

To act as a reserve of stem cells to replace dead or damaged nerve cells.

To provide oxygen and essential nutrients to the brain.

Which of the following is a primary function of the skull? And, unlike our bones, they cannot grow back or mend themselves when they are damaged or broken.Įxample 2: Identifying the Primary Function of the Skull

Teeth are harder and less flexible than bones. The teeth are considered to be a part of the skeletal system, but teeth are not bones. The upper and lower jaws are lined with teeth.

The anterior skull consists of the facial bones, such as those of the nose and the eye sockets, as well as the mandible, or jawbone. At the base of the posterior of the skull is a large hole called the foramen magnum that plays a role in connecting the spinal cord to the brain. The posterior skull is composed of 8 bones that form the cranium, which protects the brain. Anterior is a word that means “front” or “forward,” and posterior means “back,” “rear,” or “behind.” The skull can be divided into an anterior and a posterior section. Starting from the top of the axial skeleton, we first encounter the skull as shown in Figure 3. Let’s take a closer look at the structure and function of the axial skeleton. So, we can conclude that the components of the axial skeleton are the vertebral column, the skull, and the thoracic cage. The vertebral column maintains posture and protects the spinal cord. The thoracic cage protects the lungs and the heart and supports the upper appendages. The skull protects the brain and anchors our facial structures. This includes the bones of the head, called the skull, the bones of the chest, known as the thoracic cage, and the bones of the spine, also called the vertebral column. The axial skeleton refers to the bones that primarily fall along the vertical axis of the body. This includes the bones and joints of the arms and legs and their connection to the trunk of the body. The appendicular skeleton refers to the appendages, or limbs. The skeleton can be divided into two sections: the axial and the appendicular skeleton. The human skeletal system consists of the skeleton, which has 206 individual bones, and all the joints of the body as well as the cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. The vertebral column, the skull, and the thoracic cage.The vertebral column, the limb bones, and the pectoral girdle.The pectoral and pelvic girdles and the bones of the arms and the legs.What are the components of the axial skeleton? Example 1: Recalling the Components of the Axial Skeleton

Skeleton neck diagrams