The Axial Skeleton
This consists of the ;
- skull,
- the sternum,
- ribs,
- the vertebral column.
The Skull
- The skull is made up of cranium and facial bones.
- The cranium; encloses and protects the brain.
- It is made up of many bones joined together by immovable joints.
- The facial bones consists of the upper and lower jaws.
- At the posterior end of the cranium are two smooth rounded protuberances, the occipital condyles.
- These condyles articulate with the atlas vertebra to form a hinge joint, which permits the nodding of the head.
Sternum and ribs –
- They form the rib-cage.
- The rib-cage encloses the thoracic cavity protecting delicate organs such as the heart and lungs.
- The ribs articulate with the vertebral column at the back and the sternum at the front.
