axial skeleton

Question 1

what are the functions of the skull?

Answer 1

protects the brain and guards the entry points to the digestive and respiratory systems

Question 2

which facial bone gives us the upper jaw?

Answer 2

maxilla

Question 3

which facial bone gives us the lower jaw?

Answer 3

mandible

Question 4

which facial bone gives us the cheekbones?

Answer 4

zygomatic bone

Question 5

why do many bones in the skull stay separate from each other until after birth?

Answer 5

to allow the head to pass through the birth canal

Question 6

where is the foramen magnum located and what is its function?

Answer 6

inferior to the cranium; a space for the spinal cord to pass through

Question 7

what are the functions of the vertebral column?

Answer 7

protection for the spinal cord and weight distribution to the lower extremities

Question 8

list the different sections of the vertebral column from superior to inferior

Answer 8

cervical vertebrae, thoracic vertebrae, lumbar vertebrae, sacrum, coccyx

Question 9

how many vertebrae are found in the cervical vertebrae?

Answer 9

7

Question 10

how many vertebrae are found in the thoracic vertebrae?

Answer 10

12

Question 11

how many vertebrae are found in the lumbar vertebrae?

Answer 11

5

Question 12

how many vertebrae are found in the sacrum?

Answer 12

5 fused into 1

Question 13

how many vertebrae are found in the coccyx?

Answer 13

3 fused into 1

Question 14

why do the vertebral foramen decrease in size as we move inferiorly on the vertebral column?

Answer 14

spinal cord gets smaller as we move inferiorly, and since the foramen houses the spinal cord, it also decreases in size

Question 15

why do the bodies of the vertebrae increase in size as we move inferiorly on the vertebrae column?

Answer 15

the lower on the body the vertebrae are located, the more weight it needs to carry, so the longer it will be

Question 16

what is the purpose of the natural curvature of the spine?

Answer 16

to help the body distribute weight to the lower extremities

Question 17

what causes kyphosis?

Answer 17

over-curvature of the thoracic spine

Question 18

what causes lordosis?

Answer 18

over-curvature of the lumbar spine

Question 19

what causes scoliosis?

Answer 19

lateral curvature of the spine

Question 20

what is the function of the spinous and transverse processes on vertebrae?

Answer 20

attachment points for muscles (except transverse processes are for ribs in the thoracic region)

Question 21

what is the importance of the intervertebral discs?

Answer 21

shock absorption

Question 22

what are the functions of the ribcage?

Answer 22

protects the organs in the thoracic cavity and takes part in breathing

Question 23

from most superior to inferior, list the 3 parts of the sternum

Answer 23

manubrium, body, and xiphoid process

Question 24

what is the function of the manubrium?

Answer 24

connects the axial skeleton to the upper extremities of appendicular skeleton

Question 25

what is the function of the body (in the sternum)?

Answer 25

articulates with the ribs

Question 26

what is the difference between true ribs and false ribs?

Answer 26

true ribs: attach to the sternum and the thoracic vertebrae
false ribs: don’t attach directly to the sternum

Question 27

which pairs of ribs are true ribs?

Answer 27

pairs 1-7

Question 28

which pairs of ribs are false ribs?

Answer 28

pairs 8-12

Question 29

which of the false ribs are floating ribs?

Answer 29

pairs 11-12

Question 30

why are floating ribs called floating ribs?

Answer 30

don’t reach the anterior side of the body

Question 31

what part of the vertebral column do ribs articulate with?

Answer 31

thoracic

Question 32

where on the vertebrae will the ribs articulate?

Answer 32

transverse processes