The main framework of our body: Let's learn about the axial skeleton in simple terms.

Our body is, to be precise, a very amazing creation. Just like a beautifully and strongly built building. Just like this building has a strong frame, our body also has a strong frame. That is our skeletal system, or as we call it, the skeleton. Did you know that there are 206 bones in the body of an average adult? These 206 bones together help us stand upright, walk, run, jump, and protect important organs like our brain and heart. So today we are going to talk about a very important and main part of this skeleton. That is the axial skeleton . While the name sounds a bit complicated, the story is very simple. Let's see what this is.

What is the axial skeleton?

Simply put, the axial skeleton is the main axis of our body, that is, the bones that lie straight down the middle. Think of it like the trunk of a tree. The branches of a tree branch off from the trunk, right? That's how our body parts, like our arms and legs, are connected to this main axis.

This main axis is formed by:

• Your head (skull)
• Neck
• Spine (spine)
• Chest (chest cavity)

The bones in the parts are joined together. This name comes from the English word "axis". It means "axis". So this name is given because it is located along the central axis of the body.

What is the difference between the axial and appendicular skeletal systems?

We said earlier that the skeletal system of our body is divided into two main parts. One is the axial skeleton that we are talking about. The other is the appendicular skeleton . The difference between these two is very easy to understand.

• Axial Skeleton: This is the central framework of our body. That is, the skull, spine, and rib cage.
• Appendicular Skeleton: This is all the other bones that are "attached" or "connected" to the main skeleton. The word append means "to attach." So this includes the bones in your shoulders, arms, fingers, hips, legs, and toes.

What are the main functions of the axial skeletal system?

The services this skeletal system provides to our bodies are not insignificant. Here are some of the main benefits it provides us:

1. Protection: This is the most important thing. Your skull protects your brain, like a bicycle helmet. Your spine protects the spinal cord that runs through it. Your rib cage protects the very sensitive organs inside, like your heart and lungs.

2. Supporting the body: This axial skeleton allows us to stand and sit upright. The spine in particular acts as the main pillar that supports the entire weight of our body.

3. Muscle Connections: The muscles that help us move our head, neck, and torso are connected to this axial skeleton. The muscles that help us breathe are also connected to the rib cage.

4. Providing stability to the accessory skeletal system: For our arms and legs to function properly, the main frame to which they are attached must be strong. That stability is provided by this part.

How many bones are there in the axial skeletal system?

Our axial skeleton consists of 80 bones . Now let's look at what these 80 bones are and where they are located separately.

Let's break this down into 5 main parts:

• Skull bones
• Ossicles of the middle ear
• Hyoid bone in the neck
• Vertebral column
• Thoracic cage

Now let's look at each of these parts in detail.

Skull - Our natural protective helmet

Our skull is not a single bone. It is a collection of bones. These are divided into two main parts. They are the cranial bones and the facial bones.

• Cranial bones: These are the 8 bones that surround and protect our brain.
• Facial bones: These are the 14 bones that help shape our face and form things like the eyes, nose, and mouth.

Auditory Ossicles (small bones in the middle ear)

The three smallest bones in our body are located in the middle ear. These are very small. Their main function is to transmit sound vibrations that reach the eardrum to the inner ear. These bones are located in both ears. That means 3 in one ear, and 6 in both ears.

Hyoid bone in the neck

This is a very special bone. Because this hyoid bone is not directly connected to any other bone in our body. It is like floating. This horseshoe-shaped bone is located in the front of the neck, between the lower jaw and the thyroid gland. It is held in place by muscles and ligaments. This bone helps us breathe, speak, and swallow food. It is the only one.

Vertebral Column - The main pillar of the body

The spine, or backbone, is the main weight-bearing part of our body. It is made up of a stack of small bones (vertebrae) stacked on top of each other. The spinal cord, which comes from the brain, runs down through these vertebrae. The spinal cord protects this spinal cord.

The spine is usually made up of 24 vertebrae, the sacrum, and the coccyx. Let's break it down into 5 parts.

Thoracic Cage - Protector of the Heart and Lungs

The rib cage, or rib cage, protects vital organs like our heart and lungs. It also contains the muscles involved in breathing and some muscles involved in arm movement.

What are the diseases that affect the axial skeleton?

Our main framework can also be affected by various medical conditions. Some are degenerative conditions that occur as we age. Others can be caused by diseases or accidents.

• Ankylosing Spondylitis: This is a type of arthritis that causes long-term inflammation of the spine and back pain.
• Axial Spondylometaphyseal Dysplasia: This is a genetic disease that causes short stature due to impaired bone growth.
• Fibrous Dysplasia: Bones become brittle due to the growth of fibrous tissue instead of healthy bone.
• Fractures: Bone density decreases as we age, making it possible for bones to break even with a minor fall.
• Osteoporosis: A disease in which bones become very fragile and weak due to a lack of calcium in the body.
• Paget's disease of the bone: This disease causes the bones to become larger and weaker than normal.

If you have symptoms like these, it is very important to see your doctor immediately for advice.

How do we keep our axial skeleton healthy?

It is our responsibility to keep this important framework of our body strong. There are some simple things we can do to do that.

• Exercise well: Cardio exercises like walking and running and strength training like weight lifting both help strengthen bones.
• Get enough sleep: Get at least 7 hours of sleep a day. Our bodies repair themselves while we sleep.
• Maintain a healthy weight: As body weight increases, more pressure is placed on the bones, especially the spine and legs.
• Eat foods rich in calcium and vitamin D: Dairy foods like milk, yogurt, and cheese, small fish (with bones), almonds, and green vegetables are rich in calcium. The best way to get vitamin D is to get exposure to the morning sun.
• Avoid smoking: Smoking can reduce the blood supply to the bones, which is not good for bone health.
• Seek medical advice: Talk to your doctor about getting a bone density test, especially if you are over 65.

Our axial skeleton is the most important part of our body, protecting us throughout our lives and giving us the strength to stand. So it is our duty to take good care of it.

Axial Skeleton, Spine, Skull, Rib Cage, Bone Health, Osteoporosis