Axial skeleton

The bones and cartilages along an animal’s central body axis, including the skull, vertebral column, ribs, and sternum. It supports the head and trunk and protects the brain, spinal cord, and thoracic organs.

Skull: The bony or cartilaginous structure that encloses the brain and supports the face and sensory organs. Its cranial and facial parts make up the upper end of the axial framework.
Cranial cavity: The space within the skull that contains the brain and its protective coverings. The skull encloses this cavity to shield the brain.
Vertebral fracture: A break or collapse in one or more vertebrae, often caused by trauma or weakened bone. It can compromise axial support or injure structures inside the vertebral canal.
Appendicular skeleton: The bones of the limbs and the pectoral and pelvic girdles that attach them to the trunk. It forms the limb-bearing counterpart to the central axial framework.
Vertebral column: A segmented series of vertebrae that supports the trunk and surrounds the spinal cord. It forms the central support of the axial skeleton below the skull.
Vertebral canal: The passage formed by aligned vertebral foramina that contains the spinal cord and its coverings. Vertebrae protect the spinal cord by surrounding this canal.
Scoliosis: A three-dimensional spinal deformity involving a sideways curve and vertebral rotation. It alters the alignment of the axial framework and can affect trunk balance.
Endoskeleton: An internal supporting framework of bone, cartilage, or other rigid tissues in an animal. The axial skeleton is one region of an animal’s endoskeleton.
Rib cage: The thoracic structure formed by ribs, vertebrae, and sternum that protects the heart and lungs. Its ribs and sternum extend the axial framework around the chest.
Thoracic cage: The bony and cartilaginous enclosure of the chest, formed by ribs, sternum, and thoracic vertebrae. Its flexible walls protect thoracic organs while allowing breathing movements.

Linked from 13 pages