The skull, vertebral column ad ribs constitute the _____skeleton

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Identify the Components**: The question mentions three specific components: the skull, vertebral column, and ribs.

2. **Understand the Classification of the Skeleton**: The human skeleton is divided into two main parts: the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton. The axial skeleton includes the bones that form the long axis of the body.

3. **Define the Axial Skeleton**: The axial skeleton consists of the skull, vertebral column (spine), and rib cage.

4. **Count the Bones**: The axial skeleton is made up of a total of 80 bones. This includes:
- Skull: 29 bones
- Vertebral column: 26 bones (7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 1 sacrum, 1 coccyx)
- Ribs: 24 ribs (12 pairs)
- Sternum: 1 bone

5. **Conclude the Answer**: Since the skull, vertebral column, and ribs are all part of the axial skeleton, the answer to the question is "axial skeleton".

**Final Answer**: The skull, vertebral column, and ribs constitute the **axial skeleton**.

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