Axial skeleton

Last revised by Daniel J Bell on 1 Dec 2021

The axial skeleton is the central portion of the bony skeleton comprising the head, neck and trunk (80 bones in total). It has many functions including housing and protecting the central nervous system as well as the organs of the chest, abdomen and pelvis. It enables movement and supports the upper and lower limbs (appendicular skeleton).

Bones of the axial skeleton

NB: anatomically, the teeth are not bones and therefore do not form part of the axial skeleton

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