Axial Skeleton PP

Question 1

Skull

Answer 1

Protects the brain and sensory organs

Question 2

Vertebral Column

Answer 2

Supports the body and protects the spinal cord

Question 3

Ribs

Answer 3

Protect internal organs and aid in respiration

Question 4

Sternum

Answer 4

Serves as an attachment site for ribs and supports the thoracic cavity

Question 5

Cervical

Answer 5

Supports the head, allows neck movement

Question 6

Thoracic

Answer 6

Bears ribs, protects internal organs

Question 7

Lumbar

Answer 7

Supports the body, allows flexibility

Question 8

Sacral

Answer 8

Fused to the pelvis for stability

Question 9

Caudal

Answer 9

Forms the tail, aids in balance or propulsion in some species

Question 10

What are the functions of the vertebral column?

Answer 10

Supports body weight.
Protects the spinal cord.
Provides muscle attachment points.
Enables movement and flexibility.

Question 11

Centrum

Answer 11

Main body of the vertebra

Question 12

Neural Arch

Answer 12

Protects the spinal cord

Question 13

Neural Spine

Answer 13

Extends dorsally, serves as a muscle attachment point

Question 14

Transverse Processes

Answer 14

Extend laterally for muscle and rib attachment

Question 15

Zygapophyses

Answer 15

Interlocking joints between vertebrae for stability

Question 16

Acoelous vertebral centra

Answer 16

Flat ends (mammals, shock absorption)

Question 17

Amphicoelous vertebral centra

Answer 17

Concave on both ends (fish, limited flexibility)

Question 18

Procoelous vertebral centra

Answer 18

Concave anteriorly (reptiles, greater flexibility)

Question 19

Opisthocoelous vertebral centra

Answer 19

Concave posteriorly (salamanders, flexibility)

Question 20

Heterocoelous vertebral centra

Answer 20

Saddle-shaped (birds, extreme neck flexibility)

Question 21

Fish vertebral column evolution

Answer 21

Simple vertebrae, primarily for lateral undulation

Question 22

Amphibians vertebral column evolution

Answer 22

First true neck, more differentiated regions

Question 23

Reptiles vertebral column evolution

Answer 23

Strengthened vertebrae for land locomotion

Question 24

Birds vertebral column evolution

Answer 24

Fused thoracic vertebrae (synsacrum) for flight stability

Question 25

Mammals vertebral column evolution

Answer 25

Highly differentiated regions for various movements

Question 26

Cursorial (running) animals

Answer 26

Flexible lumbar region for increased stride length

Question 27

Fossorial (digging) animals

Answer 27

Stout vertebrae for strong muscle attachment

Question 28

Arboreal (tree-dwelling) animals

Answer 28

Heterocoelous cervical vertebrae for enhanced head movement

Question 29

Aquatic vertebrates

Answer 29

Reduced zygapophyses to increase body flexibility for swimming

Question 30

What is the function of ribs in vertebrates?

Answer 30

Protect internal organs (heart, lungs). Support the body structure. Aid in respiration by expanding and contracting the thoracic cavity.

Question 31

Fish ribs

Answer 31

Two sets of ribs (dorsal & ventral) for support

Question 32

Amphibians ribs

Answer 32

Reduced ribs, less involvement in breathing

Question 33

Reptiles ribs

Answer 33

Well-developed ribs, some contribute to breathing

Question 34

Birds ribs

Answer 34

Uncinate processes on ribs for flight stability

Question 35

Mammal ribs

Answer 35

Attached to the sternum, flexible for breathing

Question 36

What is the function of the sternum?

Answer 36

Acts as an attachment site for ribs. Protects vital organs. Supports flight muscles in birds (keeled sternum).