The skeleton portion that includes the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage, providing central support and protection for the brain and spinal cord?

The skeleton portion that includes the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage, providing central support and protection for the brain and spinal cord?

• A. Appendicular skeleton
• B. Central skeleton
• C. Axial skeleton
• D. Skeletal system

Answer: (C)

The central idea is the axial skeleton, the main axis of the skeleton that includes the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage. This part provides central support for the body and protects the brain and spinal cord, which matches exactly what’s described. The appendicular skeleton covers the limbs and their girdles, not the central axis. The skeletal system refers to all bones and related structures as a whole, not just this central portion. The term central skeleton isn’t a standard anatomical label, so axial skeleton is the precise term.

The central idea is the axial skeleton, the main axis of the skeleton that includes the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage. This part provides central support for the body and protects the brain and spinal cord, which matches exactly what’s described. The appendicular skeleton covers the limbs and their girdles, not the central axis. The skeletal system refers to all bones and related structures as a whole, not just this central portion. The term central skeleton isn’t a standard anatomical label, so axial skeleton is the precise term.