Axial skeleton consist of ___bones distributed_____

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Axial Skeleton:**
The axial skeleton is a major part of the human skeleton that includes the bones of the skull, vertebral column, and thoracic cage.

2. **Counting the Bones in the Skull:**
- The skull consists of a total of 29 bones.
- This includes:
- 8 cranial bones
- 14 facial bones
- 6 auditory ossicles (3 on each side)
- 1 hyoid bone

3. **Counting the Bones in the Vertebral Column:**
- The vertebral column consists of 26 bones, which can be categorized as:
- 7 cervical vertebrae
- 12 thoracic vertebrae
- 5 lumbar vertebrae
- 1 sacrum (which is made up of 5 fused vertebrae)
- 1 coccyx (which is made up of 4 fused vertebrae)

4. **Counting the Bones in the Thorax:**
- The thorax consists of:
- 1 sternum
- 24 ribs (12 pairs)

5. **Calculating the Total Number of Bones in the Axial Skeleton:**
- Adding all the bones together:
- Skull: 29 bones
- Vertebral column: 26 bones
- Thorax: 25 bones (1 sternum + 24 ribs)
- Total = 29 + 26 + 25 = 80 bones

6. **Final Answer:**
The axial skeleton consists of **80 bones** distributed across the skull, vertebral column, and thorax.

---