Axial Skeleton

Question 1

What are the functions of the axial skeleton?

Answer 1

• provides the central support for the body
• protects the internal organs such as the brain, spinal cord and the organs in the thorax

Question 2

What regions make up the axial skeleton?

Answer 2

• skull
• vertebral column
• bony thorax (rib cage and sternum)

Question 3

What sets of bones form the skull?

Answer 3

• cranial bones form the cranium (brain box)
• facial bones form the face

Question 4

What is the cranium?

Answer 4

• helmet-shaped structure
• made up of eight flat bones
• protects the brain

Question 5

What are the sutures?

Answer 5

• the immovable fibrous joints between the bones in the cranium
• are dove-tailed together

Question 6

What are fontanelles?

Answer 6

• membrane-filled spaces
• exist between the bones of the cranium at birth

Question 7

What are the functions of the cranium?

Answer 7

• protects the fragile brain
• protects the sense organs of smell, sight and hearing
• provides attachment for the muscles of the head

Question 8

What are the functions of the facial bones?

Answer 8

• form the structure of the face
• protect the sense organs of smell, sight and taste
• provide openings for the passage of food and air
• provide attachment for the facial muscles which give rise to various expressions
• secure the teeth