Which description correctly lists the components of the axial skeleton?

Which description correctly lists the components of the axial skeleton?

• A. Skull, facial bones, thoracic cage, vertebral column
• B. Arms, legs, shoulders
• C. Pelvis and limbs
• D. Clavicles and scapulae only

Answer: (A)

Think of the skeleton in two parts: the central axis and the limbs. The axial skeleton forms the body's main axis and includes the skull (including facial bones), the vertebral column, and the thoracic cage. This arrangement protects the brain and spinal cord and provides the frame for the trunk. The other options describe components related to the limbs and girdles, which belong to the appendicular skeleton. So listing the skull, facial bones, thoracic cage, and vertebral column correctly identifies the axial skeleton.

Think of the skeleton in two parts: the central axis and the limbs. The axial skeleton forms the body's main axis and includes the skull (including facial bones), the vertebral column, and the thoracic cage. This arrangement protects the brain and spinal cord and provides the frame for the trunk. The other options describe components related to the limbs and girdles, which belong to the appendicular skeleton. So listing the skull, facial bones, thoracic cage, and vertebral column correctly identifies the axial skeleton.