The axial skeleton

The axial skeleton is composed of a total of 80 bones, which are:

1. Skull (22 bones):

• Cranial bones (8 bones): frontal, occipital, sphenoid, ethmoid, parietal (2), and temporal (2)
• Facial bones (14 bones): maxilla (2), palatine (2), nasal (2), lacrimal (2), zygomatic (2), vomer, inferior nasal conchae (2), and mandible

2. Hyoid bone (1 bone)

3. Vertebral column (26 bones):

• Cervical vertebrae (7 bones): C1-C7
• Thoracic vertebrae (12 bones): T1-T12
• Lumbar vertebrae (5 bones): L1-L5
• Sacrum (1 bone): 5 fused vertebrae
• Coccyx (1 bone): 4 fused vertebrae

4. Thoracic cage (31 bones):

• Sternum (1 bone)
• Ribs (24 bones): 12 pairs of ribs (true, false, and floating)
• Thoracic vertebrae (6 bones): T1-T6

Overall, the axial skeleton provides structural support, protects vital organs, and serves as an attachment site for muscles, tendons, and ligaments.