Human Anatomy Part 1 - K. A. Dyubenko, A. K. Kolomiyytsev, Yu. B. Chaykovsky 2002

Special Part
Axial Skeleton, skeleton axiale - General Overview
Sternum

The Axial Skeleton comprises the Skull (cranium), THE Vertebral Column (columna vertebralis), and the Thorax (compages thoracis, thorax (BNA) [cavea thoracis]).

The BONES OF THE skull (ossa cranii [cranialia]) are connected by sutures and form the Skeleton of the HEAD, or skull (cranium) (Fig. 35).

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Fig. 35. Skull, cranium: A — anterior view

The skull is divided into the visceral or facial skull (cranium viscerale s. viscero-cranium [LNA]) and the cranial vault and base, or neurocranium (cranium cerebrale s. neurocranium [BNA, LNA]). The facial skull houses the Sense Organs as well as the initial sections of the respiratory and digestive systems. The neurocranium forms the cranial cavity (cavitas cranii) that encloses and protects the Brain, Meninges, and organs of special Senses (Olfaction, Vision, equilibrium, and Hearing) from injury. Cranial Nerves and Blood Vessels pass through the foramina of the skull.

Fig. 35. Skull, cranium (Continued): B — lateral view



Last update: 08/08/2026

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