NETA Personal Trainer Practice Exam

How many bones are found in the axial skeleton?

1. 80

2. 126

3. 93

4. 109

The correct answer is: 80

The axial skeleton comprises a total of 80 bones in adults. This skeletal division includes the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage. Understanding the components is essential: the skull consists of 22 bones, the vertebral column, which is made up of 24 individual vertebrae, the sacrum (5 fused vertebrae), and the coccyx (4 fused vertebrae) tallying to a total of 33. However, when considering the skeletal structure as a unit, the total number of individual vertebrae is often counted alongside the supporting bones of the rib cage, which adds 24 ribs. When you add all these components together, you arrive at 80 bones in the axial skeleton. This clarity about the number of bones is important for understanding the basic organization of the human skeleton and serves as a foundational concept in fields like anatomy and personal training. Each bone and structure plays a crucial role in protecting vital organs and supporting the body's structure and movement.