The axial skeleton is an essential part of the human body that supports and protects various vital organs of the body. It consists of 80 bones that make up the spine, ribs, sternum, and skull. The primary function of the axial skeleton is to provide support and stability to the body, allowing us to stand upright and maintain an upright posture. In this article, we will discuss the various components of the axial skeleton and their functions.

The spine is the most important part of the axial skeleton, and it is made up of 26 vertebrae. The spinal column provides support to the body and protects the spinal cord, which is an essential part of the central nervous system. The vertebrae are divided into five regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal. Each region has a different number of vertebrae, and they have distinct characteristics that enable them to perform specific functions.

The cervical vertebrae are the smallest of the vertebrae and are located in the neck region. There are seven cervical vertebrae, and they help support the head and allow the neck to move in different directions. The thoracic vertebrae are the largest and most massive vertebrae and are located in the chest region. There are 12 thoracic vertebrae, and they help support the weight of the upper body and the ribs. The lumbar vertebrae are located in the lower back region and are the largest vertebrae. There are five lumbar vertebrae, and they support most of the body’s weight. The sacral region consists of five fused vertebrae and forms the lower part of the spine. The coccygeal region consists of four fused vertebrae and forms the tailbone.

The ribs are another critical component of the axial skeleton, and they protect the organs of the chest, such as the heart and lungs. There are 12 pairs of ribs, and they are attached to the thoracic vertebrae. The first seven pairs of ribs are known as true ribs, and they are attached to the sternum by cartilage. The next five pairs of ribs are known as false ribs, and they are not directly attached to the sternum. The last two pairs of ribs are known as floating ribs, and they are not attached to the sternum or to any other ribs.

The sternum is a flat bone located in the middle of the chest, and it connects the ribs. The sternum is divided into three parts: the manubrium, the body, and the xiphoid process. The manubrium is the top part of the sternum and is located at the base of the neck. The body of the sternum is the long middle part, and the xiphoid process is the bottom part.

The skull is the most complex part of the axial skeleton, and it protects the brain. The skull is made up of 22 bones, and it is divided into two parts: the cranium and the facial skeleton. The cranium is the upper part of the skull, and it encases the brain. The facial skeleton is the lower part of the skull and consists of the bones that form the face.

In conclusion, the axial skeleton is an integral part of the human body, and it performs various critical functions. It provides support and stability to the body, protects vital organs, and allows us to maintain an upright posture. The spine, ribs, sternum, and skull are the primary components of the axial skeleton. Understanding the structure and function of the axial skeleton is essential for maintaining a healthy and functional body.

Quest'articolo è stato scritto a titolo esclusivamente informativo e di divulgazione. Per esso non è possibile garantire che sia esente da errori o inesattezze, per cui l’amministratore di questo Sito non assume alcuna responsabilità come indicato nelle note legali pubblicate in Termini e Condizioni
Quanto è stato utile questo articolo?
0Vota per primo questo articolo!