Question

Axial skeleton: How many bones are there in the axial skeleton and what are its components?

1) 80 bones including the skull, vertebral column, thoracic cage, sternum, hyoid, and ears
2) 90 bones including the skull, vertebral column, thoracic cage, sternum, hyoid, and ears
3) 70 bones including the skull, vertebral column, thoracic cage, sternum, hyoid, and ears
4) 60 bones including the skull, vertebral column, thoracic cage, sternum, hyoid, and ears

Answer 1

The axial skeleton of an adult consists of 80 bones, including the skull, vertebral column, and thoracic cage. It includes the hyoid bone and the ear ossicles as well. The thoracic cage consists of 12 pairs of ribs and the sternum.

Step-by-step explanation:

The axial skeleton of the adult consists of 80 bones, including the skull, the vertebral column, and the thoracic cage. The skull is formed by 22 bones. Also associated with the head are an additional seven bones, including the hyoid bone and the ear ossicles (three small bones found in each middle ear). The vertebral column consists of 24 bones, each called a vertebra, plus the sacrum and coccyx. The thoracic cage includes the 12 pairs of ribs, and the sternum, the flattened bone of the anterior chest.