The axial skeleton is composed of the

The axial skeleton is composed of the skull and vertebral column. The axial skeleton is the part of the skeleton that runs along the central axis of the body, including the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage. It forms the core of the body and provides support and protection for vital organs such as the brain, spinal cord, and heart. The skull is composed of several bones that make up the cranium and the face. The cranium is the part of the skull that surrounds and protects the brain, while the face bones protect the sensory organs such as the eyes, ears, and nose. The vertebral column is a series of bones called vertebrae that run down the back of the body. The vertebrae protect the spinal cord and provide support for the body. The vertebral column is divided into five regions, including the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal regions. The axial skeleton is distinct from the appendicular skeleton, which includes the bones of the limbs and girdles that attach the limbs to the axial skeleton. In summary, the axial skeleton is composed of the skull and vertebral column, which provide support and protection for vital organs and form the core of the body.