Learning Objectives for Chapter 7

THE AXIAL SKELETON

If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.
Derek Bok, President, Harvard University
At the completion of this chapter the student should be able to:
1.

Distinguish between the components of the axial skeleton and appendicular skeleton and
describe bone surface markings.
2.
State the functions of the cranial bones and facial bones.
Cranial: Protection of the brain;
- Inner-surfaces attach to membranes that stabilise the positions of the brain, blood vessels,
and nerves;
- Outer-surfaces act as areas of attachment for muscles that move the head in various ways;
- Protect and support organs for the senses of vision, taste, smell, hearing and
equilibrium/balance.
Facial: Form the mechanical framework of the face;
- Protect and support entry points of both the digestive, and the respiratory systems;
- Provide attachment for some muscles of facial expression;
- Protect and support organs for the senses of vision, taste, smell, hearing and
equilibrium/balance.
3.
State the function of each of the following skull surface markings:

External auditory meatus: External auditory meatus (ear canal) directs

sound wave into the ear

Mastoid process: Rounded projection of the temporal bone posterior to the

external auditory meatus, A point of attachment of several neck muscles

Styloid process: Projects from inferior surface of the temporal bone

A point of attachment for muscles and ligaments of the tongue and neck
Petrous portion: Internal auditory meatus:

Carotid foramen
Jugular foramen

Internal auditory meatus

Foramen magnum
Occipital condyle
Sella turcica: Bony
With hypophyseal fossa: contains pituitary gland

4.

5.

Optic foramen
Cribriform plate
Crista galli
Alveolar process
Name the components of each of the following skull structures:
Zygomatic arch: Zygomatic arch = temporal process + zygomatic process
Hard palate: palatine process + horizontal plate of palatine bone
Temporomandibular joint: condylar process + mandibular fossa
Nasal septum: Vertical partition of the nasal cavity
Formed by vomer, perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone, and septal cartilage
State the functions of the orbit, paranasal sinuses, and sutures.

Orbit(s) :Mechanical protection of the sensitive structures of the eye(s), including the eye
balls themselves, together with the associated muscles, nerves, blood supply, and other
tissues.
- Paranasal Sinuses: Producing mucus;
Acting as resonating chambers - resulting in personal speaking and singing sounds that differ
from person to person.
draining mucus out of the skull via the nasal cavities as necessary (e.g. in case of overproduction of mucus).
- Sutures:
These joints hold the bones of the skull together.
6. Describe fontanels.
7. Explain why the hyoid bone is unique among the bones of the body and how the hyoid bone
assists swallowing and speech
Doesnt articulate with any other bone.
in the neck, below the tongue (held in place by
ligaments and muscles between it and the styloid
process of the temporal bone).

Supports the tongue, providing attachment sites for

some tongue muscles, and also some muscles of
the neck and pharynx.

8. State the common name of the vertebral column (spine), its functions (Series of vertebrae
that surround and protect the spinal cord, support the head, and serve as a point of attachment
for the ribs, pelvic girdle, and back muscles), and describe the arrangement of the five
regions of the adult vertebral column including the number of vertebrae in each region (7
cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 1 sacrum, 1 cocyx).
9.
Define scoliosis, kyphosis, and lordosis.
Scoliosis: most common in late childhood and the early teens, when children grow fast.
Symptoms: leaning to one side and having uneven shoulders and hips
If curve gets very severe: health problems: affecting lungs, hearts, and joints
kyphosis
Outward curve of the thoracic spine (at level of the rib)
often occurs after osteoporosis weakens spinal bones to the point that they crack and
compress

severe cases can affect your lungs, nerves, and other tissues and organs, causing pain and
other problems
lordosis:
Occurs when the natural arch in the lower back, or lumbar region, curves more than
normal
Can lead to excess pressure on the spine, causing pain
10.

State what organ the vertebral foramina enclose and collectively what they form
Together make up vertebral canal for spinal cord

11.

State the functions of the following components of the vertebral column:

Normal curves
Intervertebral discs: Form strong joints, permit various movement of the
vertebral column, absorb vertical shock

Under compression: flatten and broaden

Intervertebral foramina: Lateral openings between adjacent vertebrae for

spinal nerves

Superior articular processes: articulate with the two inferior articular

processes of the vertebral

Inferior articular processes: articulate with the two superior articular processes

Transverse foramina

Transverse process facets

12. State the function of the costal cartilages
Costal cartilages join most ribs to the sternum.