The axial skeleton is the part of the skeleton that consists of the bones along the bodys long axis. It forms the central axis of the body and includes the bones of the skull, ossicles of the middle ear, hyoid bone of the throat, vertebral column, and the thoracic cage (ribcage) . The axial skeleton provides support and protection for the brain, spinal cord, and organs in the ventral body cavity. It also provides a surface for the attachment of muscles that move the head, neck, and trunk, performs respiratory movements, and stabilizes parts of the appendicular skeleton.

The axial skeleton is made up of 80 bones. The bones of the skull, ears, neck, back, and ribcage are included in the axial skeleton. The five parts of the axial skeleton include the bones in the skull, ossicles (small bones) of the middle ear, hyoid bone of the neck, vertebrae (bones of the spine), and thoracic cage (ribcage) . The skull consists of 22 bones, which are divided into two categories: cranial bones and facial bones. The cranial bones are eight bones that form the cranial cavity, which encloses the brain and serves as an attachment site for the muscles of the head and neck. The facial skeleton is formed by the mandible, maxillae, zygomatics, and the bones that give shape to the nasal cavity.

In summary, the axial skeleton is the part of the skeleton that includes the bones along the bodys long axis, such as the skull, ears, neck, back, and ribcage. It provides support and protection for the brain, spinal cord, and organs in the ventral body cavity, and it also provides a surface for the attachment of muscles that move the head, neck, and trunk.