Chapter 7: The Skeleton-Axial Skeleton

There are 206 bones in the human body.

Divided into:

  • Axial skeleton (80): bones along the longitudinal axis of the body

  • Appendicular (126): bones of the limbs and bones that attach limbs to the axial skeleton


The Axial Skeleton forms the longitudinal axis of the body = Has 80 bones

  1. The skull-

  • 8 cranial bones

  • 14 facial bones

  1. Bones associated w/ the skull

  • 6 auditory ossicles

  • The hyoid bone

  1. The vertebral column

  • 24 vertebrae (singular = vertebra)

  • The sacrum

  • The coccyx

  1. The thoracic cage

  • 24 ribs

  • The sternum



The Appendicular skeleton = 126 bones

  • Allows us to move and manipulate objects

  • Includes : The upper and lower limbs , Girdles of bones attach limbs to axial skeleton ,Pectoral girdle , Pelvic girdle

Functions of the Axial Skeleton:

  • Supports and protects organs in body cavities

  • Provides attachment for muscles that :

  • 1. Adjust movements of head, neck, and trunk

  • 2. Perform respiratory movements

  • 3. Stabilize or position parts of appendicular skeleton

  • Joints of axial skeleton are immovable or permit very little movement


The Cranial Bones