Anatomy Practice Exam

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Study for the Anatomy Exam with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations. Prepare confidently!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

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What is the primary function of the axial skeleton?

To facilitate movement of the limbs
To provide structure and support to the body
To consist of bones of the limbs and girdles
To protect the organs of the thoracic cavity

The correct answer is: To provide structure and support to the body

The primary function of the axial skeleton is to provide structure and support to the body. This part of the skeleton consists of the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage, forming the central axis of the body. It serves as the main support for the entire skeletal system, helping to maintain an upright posture and protecting the central nervous system through the vertebral column. While the axial skeleton does play a role in protecting vital organs, particularly those within the thoracic cavity, its main role is foundational support and structural integrity, which distinguishes it from the appendicular skeleton. The other choices reflect functions or characteristics related to different aspects of the skeletal system, such as the appendicular skeleton's role in movement or the composition of limb bones, but they do not express the primary role of the axial skeleton itself.