A1–A2 Structure and Function GapFill

The human skeletal system can be separated into two sections: the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton. The clue for the axial skeleton is in the name: being the main axis, it acts as a point of attachment for the bones of the appendicular skeleton. The axial skeleton consists of the cranium, sternum, ribs and scapula tarsals femur vertebral column , whereas the appendicular skeleton is comprised of the bones of the upper and lower limbs, as well as those surrounding the pelvic and shoulder girdles. 

 The vertebral column, also known as the central cord body prop column spine , is a key structure for human movement and function. It consists of 33 irregular sesamoid flat medium bones that span five different sections:

• Convex Thoracic Cervical Coccyx – The first seven vertebrae extend from the cranium to the upper back. This section consists of the atlas-axis joint, which allows movement at the neck.
• Concave Middle cord Cervical Thoracic – The longest section of the vertebral column consists of 12 vertebrae which stretch from the lower to upper back. This region curves slightly outwards and is termed concave cervical scoliosis convex .
• Lumbar Cervical Sacrum Thoracic  – Although there are only five vertebrae in this section, they are all larger than the vertebrae that make up the other sections. This region curves slightly inwards and is termed kyphosis cervical concave coccyx .
• Thoracic Coccyx Concave Sacrum – Also consisting of five vertebrae, this differs from the previous section in that the bones are fused together. This section is in line with the pelvic girdle.
• Sacrum Coccyx Convex Lumbar  – Also known as the tailbone, this consists of four bones fused together.

A good posture is characterised by a neutral spine alignment, where a straight line can be drawn vertically from the cranium down to the hip when viewed laterally (side-on). However, there are various postural complications that can deviate the vertebral column away from this central alignment. Kyphosis Coccyx Convex Concave refers to an excessive outward curve of the upper back, characterised by a hunch of the shoulders. Scoliosis Convex Kyphosis Coccyx  results in an 'S'-shaped vertebral column when viewed from the front. This postural deviation can be characterised by someone leaning to one side in an overt manner.