Vetinerary Assistant Practice Exam

What are the axial skeleton bones?

1. femur, patella, and tibia

2. skull, spinal column, ribs, and sternum

3. humerus, radius, and ulna

4. verebrae, scapula, and clavicle

The correct answer is: skull, spinal column, ribs, and sternum

The axial skeleton consists of bones that run along the central axis of the body, which primarily include the skull, vertebral column (spinal column), ribs, and sternum. These bones are crucial for protecting vital organs such as the brain, heart, and lungs, as well as providing support and structure for the body. The skull houses and protects the brain, while the spinal column provides a bony enclosure for the spinal cord and serves as a structural support for the upper body. The ribs encase the thoracic cavity and assist in respiration, and the sternum acts as a central attachment point for the ribs, contributing to the overall stability and protection of the thoracic organs. In contrast, the other choices list bones that are part of the appendicular skeleton, which includes limbs and their attachments. For instance, the femur, patella, and tibia are involved in the lower limb, while the humerus, radius, and ulna are associated with the upper limb. Vertebrae are part of the axial skeleton, but the inclusion of scapula and clavicle refers to components of the shoulder girdle, which connects the upper limbs to the body and is part of the appendicular skeleton. Therefore, the correct answer