Which term refers to the skeleton primarily composed of the skull, spine, and rib cage?

• A. Pelvic skeleton
• B. Cranial skeleton
• C. Axial skeleton
• D. Appendicular skeleton

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is the central framework of the body. The axial skeleton is the part that forms the body's central axis and includes the skull, the vertebral column, and the rib cage. This grouping protects the brain, spinal cord, heart, and lungs and provides a stable axis for movement. That makes it the best term for a skeleton primarily made up of the skull, spine, and rib cage.

The cranial skeleton covers only the skull, so it doesn’t account for the spine and ribs. The appendicular skeleton includes the limbs and the girdles (shoulders and pelvis), not the central axis. The pelvic region isn’t typically used as a separate major division in this context and would fall under the appendicular system.