axial skeleton

skeleton /skel·e·ton/ (skel´ĕ-ton) [Gr.] the hard framework of the animal body, especially that of higher vertebrates; the bones of the body collectively.

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appendicular skeleton  the bones of the limbs and supporting thoracic (pectoral) and pelvic girdles.

axial skeleton  the bones of the body axis, including the skull, vertebral column, ribs, and sternum.

cardiac skeleton  the fibrous or fibrocartilaginous framework that supports and gives attachment to the cardiac muscle fibers and valves, and the roots of the aorta and pulmonary trunk.

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axial skeleton

n.

The bones of the head and trunk, excluding the pectoral and pelvic girdles.

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axial skeleton

Etymology: L, axis, axle; Gk, skeletos, dried up

the bones forming the axis of the skeleton, including the skull, vertebrae, ribs, and sternum. Compare appendicular skeleton.

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axial

1. pertaining to or deriving from an axis.

2. pertaining to or deriving from the axis bone of the vertebral column. See also axis.

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axial rotation

in chiropractic terms, the rotation of the vertebral column around the horizontal axis (Z-axis).

axial skeleton

the skeleton of the head and trunk.

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skeleton

the stiff, hardened tissues forming the supporting framework of an animal body.

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appendicular skeleton

the bones of the limbs.

axial skeleton

the skull, spine, ribs and sternum.

visceral skeleton

1. the skeleton that forms part of an organ such as the os penis or os cordis.

2. the bony framework that protects the viscera, such as the sternum, ribs or pelvis.

skeleton weed

see lygodesmia juncea.