American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Practice Exam

What does the axial skeleton consist of?

1. Skull, cervical spine, ribs, sternum, vertebrae, sacrum

2. Shoulder girdle, pelvic girdle, extremities

3. Face bones and ear bones

4. Only long bones of the body

The correct answer is: Skull, cervical spine, ribs, sternum, vertebrae, sacrum

The axial skeleton is a crucial component of the human skeletal system and consists of the bones that form the central axis of the body. This includes the skull, which protects the brain; the cervical spine, which supports the head and houses the spinal cord; the ribs and sternum, which protect vital organs in the thoracic cavity; and the vertebrae, which provide structure and support for the body. The sacrum, a triangular bone at the base of the spine, is also part of the axial skeleton and connects the spine to the pelvis. This grouping of bones is essential for various functions including protection of the brain, spinal cord, and thoracic organs, as well as providing a framework for the shape and stability of the body. Unlike the other choices, which refer to different aspects of the skeleton, such as the appendicular skeleton or specific subsets of facial bones, the axial skeleton distinctly encompasses these key components that are central to maintaining overall body structure and function.