The Axial Skeleton

Consists of the skull, the sternum, the ribcage and the vertebral column.

The Skull

It is made up of many bones joined together to form the cranium.

The cranium encloses and protects the brain.

The cranium has perforations to allow blood vessels and nerves to pass to and from the brain.

The facial skeletal consists of the upper and lower jaws.

The lower jaw or mandible articulates to the cranium with a moveable joint.

The cranium protects the olfactory organs, middle and inner ear and eyes.

At the posterior end of the cranium are two smooth rounded protuberances, the occipital condyles that articulate with the atlas vertebra to form a joint which permits the nodding of the head.

The Ribcage and Sternum

The ribcage encloses the thoracic cavity protecting the delicate organs like the heart and lungs.

The ribcage is made of ribs articulating with the vertebral column to the back and the sternum to the front.

The ribs have cartilage at the articulating points.

The sternum is a bony structure that supports the ribs and protects the organs in the thoracic cavity.

At the lower end, the sternum and rib cage offers surfaces for the attachment of muscles of the back and the abdomen.