AEMCA Practice Exam

Which part of the skeleton is referred to as the axial skeleton?

1. Bones of the arms and legs

2. Bones of the shoulder girdle

3. Bones of the skull and vertebral column

4. Bones of the pelvis

The correct answer is: Bones of the skull and vertebral column

The axial skeleton consists of the bones that form the central axis of the human body. This includes the skull, which encases the brain and supports facial structures, and the vertebral column, also known as the spine, which provides structural support, protects the spinal cord, and allows for flexibility and movement. The rib cage, which protects vital organs such as the heart and lungs, is also part of the axial skeleton. Understanding the components of the skeleton helps clarify why the other choices do not fit the definition of the axial skeleton. The bones of the arms and legs are part of the appendicular skeleton, which includes the limbs and their respective girdles. Similarly, the bones of the shoulder girdle and pelvis are also categorized under the appendicular skeleton, as they connect the limbs to the axial skeleton but do not themselves constitute the axial framework.