The axial skeleton is a fundamental part of the human skeletal system, which includes the bony structures located in the midline of the body. It is formed by the skull, spine, ribs and sternum, performing vital functions in supporting and protecting internal organs such as the brain, spinal cord, heart and lungs.
Parts of the Axial Skeleton
To fully understand the anatomy of the axial skeleton, it is important to analyze the parts that compose it:
1. Skull
The skull is a bony structure that protects the brain, made up of a set of flat and irregular bones that are joined together by sutures. It is composed of the facial skull, which houses the sense organs, and the cranial vault, which protects the brain and is made up of bones such as the frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital, sphenoid and ethmoid.
2. Vertebral Column
The vertebral column, also known as the vertebral column or spine, is a flexible structure made up of a series of overlapping vertebrae. It has four regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral, and fulfills the functions of support, protection of the spinal cord and allowing movement of the body.
3. Ribs
The ribs are long, curved bones that extend from the spine to the breastbone. In total, the human being has 12 pairs of ribs, of which the first 7 are known as true ribs, the next 3 as false ribs and the last 2 as floating ribs.
4. Sternum
The sternum is a flat bone located in the front part of the thorax, at the level of the ribs. It is made up of three parts: manubrium, body and xiphoid appendage. Its main function is to provide support and protection to the organs of the thorax, such as the heart and lungs.
Characteristics of the Axial Skeleton
The axial skeleton has a series of characteristics that make it key to the functioning of the human body:
1. Body Support
The structures of the axial skeleton, such as the spine and ribs, provide fundamental support for the human body, allowing upright posture and movement.
2 . Protection of Vital Organs
The skull protects the brain, the vertebral column protects the spinal cord, the ribs safeguard the heart and lungs, and the sternum provides support to these vital structures, guaranteeing their integrity and functioning.
3. Flexibility and Mobility
The vertebral column, a prominent part of the axial skeleton, offers flexibility that allows movements such as flexion, extension, inclination and rotation, contributing to the mobility of the body.
4. Blood Production
Some bones of the axial skeleton, such as the sternum and ribs, have the ability to produce blood cells in their bone marrow, thus playing a crucial role in hematopoiesis.
Importance of the Axial Skeleton
The axial skeleton is essential for the structure and function of the human body, since it not only supports and protects vital organs, but also facilitates movement, participates in the production of blood cells and contributes to the proper posture of the individual. Its role in biomechanics and the overall health of the body makes it a crucial system that deserves attention and care.