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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

Axial skeleton labeling quiz: vertebrae and skull

Quick, free vertebrae and skull quiz with instant feedback.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Shanicole GatlinUpdated Aug 26, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art axial skeleton showing skull spine ribs on golden yellow background for skeleton quiz

This axial skeleton labeling quiz helps you practice the skull, vertebrae, and rib landmarks with instant feedback. Build speed and accuracy as you label images, then extend your review with our skull and spine quiz, explore the axial and appendicular skeleton quiz for context, or check your knowledge across the body in a skeletal system labeling quiz.

What is the primary function of the axial skeleton?
Support and protect vital organs
Store calcium
Produce blood cells
Facilitate limb movement
The axial skeleton includes the skull, vertebral column, ribs, and sternum whose main role is to support the body's central axis and protect vital organs such as the brain and heart. It does not directly facilitate limb movement, which is a function of the appendicular skeleton. Additionally, blood cell production in red marrow and calcium storage occur in various bones but are not the primary function of the axial skeleton.
Which bone forms the forehead?
Occipital bone
Parietal bone
Temporal bone
Frontal bone
The frontal bone makes up the forehead portion of the skull and contributes to the upper eye sockets. It articulates posteriorly with the parietal bones at the coronal suture. The other listed bones form different regions of the skull.
How many cervical vertebrae are present in the human spine?
5
9
7
12
The cervical region of the vertebral column consists of seven vertebrae labeled C1 through C7. These are the smallest and most mobile vertebrae, allowing head and neck flexibility. The thoracic region has 12 and the lumbar region has five in a typical adult.
Which structure protects the brain?
Clavicle
Cranium
Vertebral body
Sternum
The cranium, also known as the skull, encases and protects the brain from mechanical injury. The vertebral body protects the spinal cord, while the sternum and clavicle are part of the axial and appendicular skeleton but do not protect the brain.
What is the term for the breastbone?
Manubrium
Sternum
Sacrum
Xiphoid process
The sternum, or breastbone, is a flat bone located at the center of the chest. It consists of three parts: the manubrium, body, and xiphoid process. It articulates with the rib cartilages of the first seven pairs of ribs.
How many ribs are in the human body?
24
14
12
26
Humans typically have 24 ribs, arranged in 12 pairs that articulate with the vertebral column posteriorly and most attach to the sternum or cartilage anteriorly. The number 12 refers to pairs, not individual ribs. Variations can occur congenitally.
Which vertebra is known as the atlas?
C1
T1
C2
L1
The first cervical vertebra is called the atlas because it supports the skull and allows nodding movements. It lacks a vertebral body and features large lateral masses. The second cervical vertebra is called the axis.
What is the name of the last bone of the vertebral column?
Sacrum
Atlas
Coccyx
Lumbar vertebra
The coccyx, or tailbone, is the terminal portion of the vertebral column, typically composed of three to five fused vertebrae. It bears slight weight when sitting and serves as an attachment point for ligaments and muscles. The sacrum is just above the coccyx.
Which bone makes up the chin?
Maxilla
Vomer
Zygomatic
Mandible
The mandible is the lower jawbone and forms the chin, holding the lower teeth. It is the largest and strongest bone of the face. The maxilla forms the upper jaw, while the vomer and zygomatic are other facial bones.
How many bones make up the adult human skull?
26
22
14
18
The adult human skull typically consists of 22 bones: 8 cranial bones and 14 facial bones. These bones are fused together by sutures. Some additional small bones, like the ossicles, are not part of the skull proper.
How many thoracic vertebrae are there?
7
14
5
12
The thoracic region of the vertebral column consists of 12 vertebrae (T1 - T12) that articulate with the ribs. They are less mobile than cervical vertebrae and provide attachment points for the ribs. The lumbar region has five vertebrae.
Which pair of bones form the cheekbones?
Maxillae
Zygomatic bones
Lacrimal bones
Nasal bones
The zygomatic bones, or malar bones, form the prominence of the cheeks and the lateral walls and floors of the orbits. They articulate with the temporal, sphenoid, frontal, and maxillary bones. The maxillae form the upper jaw, and the other bones have different functions.
Which vertebrae are found in the lower back?
Thoracic vertebrae
Cervical vertebrae
Sacral vertebrae
Lumbar vertebrae
The lumbar vertebrae (L1 - L5) are located in the lower back between the thoracic vertebrae and the sacrum. They are the largest and bear the most weight. Cervical vertebrae are in the neck, and thoracic are mid-back.
The foramen magnum is located in which bone?
Parietal bone
Temporal bone
Occipital bone
Sphenoid bone
The foramen magnum is a large opening at the base of the skull in the occipital bone, allowing passage of the spinal cord. It also transmits arteries and nerves. Other cranial bones do not contain this structure.
Which curvature of the spine is present at birth?
Sacral
Thoracic
Lumbar
Cervical
The thoracic curvature is a primary (kyphotic) curve present at birth, as is the sacral curvature, resulting from fetal position. Secondary (lordotic) curves, such as cervical and lumbar, develop after birth. These curves help with weight distribution and balance.
The dens, or odontoid process, is a projection of which vertebra?
C3
T1
C1 (Atlas)
C2 (Axis)
The dens, or odontoid process, is a bony projection on the second cervical vertebra (axis). It acts as a pivot that allows the atlas and skull to rotate around it. The atlas (C1) lacks a body and dens, making C2 distinct.
Which ribs attach directly to the sternum?
True ribs
False ribs
Floating ribs
Accessory ribs
True ribs (pairs 1 - 7) attach directly to the sternum via their costal cartilages. False ribs (8 - 12) either attach indirectly or not at all (floating ribs 11 - 12). Accessory ribs are anatomical variants.
What type of cartilage connects the ribs to the sternum?
Elastic cartilage
Calcified cartilage
Hyaline cartilage
Fibrocartilage
Costal cartilages, connecting ribs to the sternum, are composed of hyaline cartilage. This cartilage provides flexibility and resilience for respiratory movements. Elastic cartilage is found in structures like the ear, and fibrocartilage in intervertebral discs.
The external occipital protuberance is found on which bone?
Frontal bone
Parietal bone
Temporal bone
Occipital bone
The external occipital protuberance is a midline projection on the occipital bone's outer surface, serving as an attachment for the nuchal ligament. It is palpable at the back of the skull. Other cranial bones lack this landmark.
What is the primary distinguishing feature of cervical vertebrae?
Prominent spinous processes
Large bodies
Costal facets
Transverse foramina
Cervical vertebrae uniquely possess transverse foramina in each transverse process for passage of the vertebral arteries. Thoracic vertebrae have costal facets for ribs, lumbar vertebrae have large bodies, and cervical spinous processes are often bifid but not as prominent.
Which bone houses the mastoid process?
Occipital bone
Sphenoid bone
Temporal bone
Parietal bone
The mastoid process is a conical projection on the temporal bone's mastoid part, located behind the ear. It serves as an attachment for neck muscles. No other cranial bones possess a mastoid process.
How many pairs of floating ribs are there?
7
5
2
3
Floating ribs are pairs 11 and 12, totaling two pairs, and they do not attach to the sternum or cartilage. Ribs 8 - 10 are false ribs that attach indirectly via cartilage. The first seven ribs are true ribs.
Which bone contains the sella turcica, a saddle-shaped depression housing the pituitary gland?
Temporal bone
Sphenoid bone
Frontal bone
Ethmoid bone
The sella turcica is a depression on the superior surface of the sphenoid bone that houses the pituitary gland. It is bounded by the tuberculum sellae anteriorly and dorsum sellae posteriorly. Other cranial bones do not have this structure.
Which part of the sternum articulates with the clavicles?
Xiphoid process
Body
Sternal angle
Manubrium
The clavicles articulate with the superior-lateral aspects of the manubrium at the clavicular notches. The body and xiphoid process attach to ribs and serve different functions. The sternal angle is the junction between manubrium and body.
The sacral vertebrae fuse to form which bone?
Coccyx
Sacrum
Lumbar vertebrae
Pelvic girdle
Five sacral vertebrae fuse to form the sacrum, a triangular bone at the base of the spine that articulates with the pelvic bones. The coccyx is formed by fusion of four coccygeal vertebrae. The lumbar vertebrae remain separate.
Which cranial suture separates the parietal and occipital bones?
Lambdoid suture
Coronal suture
Sagittal suture
Squamous suture
The lambdoid suture lies between the parietal bones and the occipital bone at the posterior aspect of the skull. The coronal suture separates frontal and parietal bones, the sagittal suture separates the two parietal bones, and the squamous suture separates temporal and parietal bones.
Which vertebra allows rotation of the head?
Axis (C2)
T1
C3
Atlas (C1)
The axis (C2) has the odontoid process (dens) which acts as a pivot enabling the atlas and skull to rotate. While the atlas supports the skull and allows nodding, rotation is primarily facilitated by the axis. Lower vertebrae do not provide this motion.
The hyoid bone is unique because it...
Does not articulate with any other bone
Contains a vertebral foramen
Forms the nasal septum
Is part of the appendicular skeleton
The hyoid bone is the only bone in the body that does not articulate directly with any other bone and is anchored by muscles and ligaments. It serves as an attachment for tongue and neck muscles. It is not part of the vertebral column or nasal septum.
Which opening in the sphenoid bone transmits the optic nerve?
Foramen ovale
Optic canal
Foramen rotundum
Superior orbital fissure
The optic canal, located in the sphenoid bone, is a paired opening that transmits the optic nerve (CN II) and ophthalmic artery to the orbit. The other foramina transmit different cranial nerves and vessels.
The zygomatic arch is formed by the zygomatic bone and which other bone?
Temporal bone
Frontal bone
Maxilla
Parietal bone
The zygomatic arch is the bony arch on the side of the skull, formed by the temporal process of the zygomatic bone and the zygomatic process of the temporal bone. It articulates and protects the temporal muscles. Other bones do not contribute to this arch.
The costal groove is located on which part of a rib?
Tubercle
Anterior surface
Inferior border
Superior border
The costal groove runs along the inferior border of each rib, providing protection for the intercostal vessels and nerve. This groove accommodates the neurovascular bundle. Other rib surfaces and structures do not have this feature.
In the sacrum, the vertebral foramen of each vertebra fuses to form which structure?
Sacral hiatus
Alar surface
Sacral canal
Median sacral crest
The sacral canal is a continuation of the vertebral canal and is formed by the fusion of individual vertebral foramina in the sacrum, allowing passage of sacral nerves. The sacral hiatus is an opening at the inferior end, and the median sacral crest and alae are dorsal structures.
The pterygoid processes are part of which skull bone?
Ethmoid bone
Sphenoid bone
Temporal bone
Maxilla
The pterygoid processes extend inferiorly from the sphenoid bone and serve as attachment sites for the pterygoid muscles of mastication. No other cranial bones form these processes.
The posterior fontanel of an infant skull typically becomes which suture in the adult?
Sagittal suture
Lambdoid suture
Squamous suture
Coronal suture
The posterior fontanel, located at the junction of the sagittal and lambdoid sutures in an infant, closes around 2-3 months of age and becomes the lambdoid suture. The coronal, sagittal, and squamous sutures are distinct adult cranial sutures.
Which landmark of the atlas articulates with the occipital condyles?
Transverse foramen
Spinous process
Vertebral body
Superior articular facets
The superior articular facets of the atlas (C1) are concave surfaces that articulate with the occipital condyles of the skull, permitting nodding motion. The atlas lacks a vertebral body and spinous process, and the transverse foramen transmits the vertebral artery.
The xiphoid process is composed primarily of which tissue at birth?
Fibrocartilage
Compact bone
Hyaline cartilage
Elastic cartilage
At birth, the xiphoid process is predominantly hyaline cartilage, which later ossifies by adulthood. This allows flexibility during development. Fibrocartilage is in intervertebral discs, while compact bone forms mature bone.
Which vertebral region has transverse processes that bear facets for rib articulation?
Cervical vertebrae
Lumbar vertebrae
Sacral vertebrae
Thoracic vertebrae
Thoracic vertebrae possess transverse costal facets on their transverse processes to articulate with the tubercles of ribs. Cervical and lumbar vertebrae lack these facets, and sacral vertebrae are fused.
The internal acoustic meatus is a feature of which bone?
Parietal bone
Sphenoid bone
Occipital bone
Temporal bone
The internal acoustic (auditory) meatus is a canal in the petrous part of the temporal bone that transmits the facial and vestibulocochlear nerves. No other cranial bone contains this meatus.
The sacral hiatus is formed by the failure of which structures to fuse?
Bodies of sacral vertebrae
Spinous processes of L5
Laminae of the S5 vertebra
Transverse processes of S1
The sacral hiatus results from the non-fusion of the laminae and spinous processes of the fifth sacral vertebra, forming an opening at the inferior end of the sacral canal. Other structures fuse normally.
The basilar part of the occipital bone, along with the dorsum sellae of the sphenoid bone, forms which sloping region supporting the brainstem?
Clivus
Pterion
Glabella
Lambda
The clivus is a sloping bony surface formed anteriorly by the dorsum sellae of the sphenoid bone and posteriorly by the basilar part of the occipital bone, supporting the pons and brainstem. It is distinct from sutural landmarks like the pterion or lambda.
Which feature uniquely distinguishes thoracic vertebrae from cervical and lumbar vertebrae?
Costal facets on bodies and transverse processes
Bifid spinous processes
Absence of transverse processes
Large vertebral foramen
Thoracic vertebrae uniquely bear costal facets on their vertebral bodies and transverse processes for articulation with ribs. Cervical vertebrae may have bifid spinous processes and transverse foramina, and lumbar vertebrae have large bodies but no costal facets.
The sphenopalatine foramen connects the pterygopalatine fossa to which anatomical space?
Orbit
Middle cranial fossa
Nasal cavity
Oral cavity
The sphenopalatine foramen is an opening between the sphenoid and palatine bones that connects the pterygopalatine fossa with the nasal cavity, allowing passage of the sphenopalatine artery and nasopalatine nerve. It does not directly open to the oral cavity or orbit.
The Angle of Louis (sternal angle) is the junction between which two structures?
Body and xiphoid process
Manubrium and body of the sternum
Clavicle and manubrium
Two costal cartilages
The Angle of Louis, or sternal angle, is the palpable junction between the manubrium and the body of the sternum, at the level of the second rib articulation. It serves as an important landmark in thoracic anatomy.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Skull Bones -

    Locate and name the major cranial and facial bones of the human skull to reinforce your anatomical knowledge.

  2. Differentiate Vertebral Regions -

    Distinguish between cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal vertebrae by their unique structural features.

  3. Classify Rib Types -

    Explain the differences among true, false, and floating ribs and their roles within the rib cage.

  4. Apply Labeling Skills -

    Accurately label an axial skeleton diagram to test and enhance your spatial understanding of bone placement.

  5. Describe Joint Articulations -

    Summarize how key joints in the axial skeleton facilitate movement and support the body.

  6. Assess Bone Knowledge -

    Complete the interactive quiz to evaluate your understanding of the axial skeletal system and identify areas for improvement.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Skull Composition & Sutures -

    The skull is divided into the neurocranium (8 bones) and viscerocranium (14 bones) held together by sutures. Use the mnemonic "Old People From Texas Eat Spiders" (Occipital, Parietal, Frontal, Temporal, Ethmoid, Sphenoid) to recall cranial bones quickly. Recognizing sutures like coronal, sagittal, and lambdoid helps you ace the axial skeletal system quiz.

  2. Vertebral Column Segmentation -

    The vertebral column consists of 33 vertebrae: 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral (fused), and 4 coccygeal (fused). Remember "Breakfast at 7, Lunch at 12, Dinner at 5" to sequence cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions. This segmentation is crucial when tackling any quiz on the axial skeleton.

  3. Typical Vertebra Anatomy -

    Each typical vertebra features a body, vertebral arch, spinous process, transverse processes, and a vertebral foramen. Cervical vertebrae have transverse foramina, thoracic have costal facets, and lumbar have a large, robust body - spotting these differences boosts your skeleton test score. Visualizing a cross-section helps cement these features for labeling challenges.

  4. Rib Classification & Sternum Parts -

    There are 12 rib pairs: true ribs (1 - 7), false ribs (8 - 10), and floating ribs (11 - 12). Use "True friends 1 - 7, false friends 8 - 10, floaters 11 - 12" to memorize their categories. Don't forget the sternum's three regions - manubrium, body, and xiphoid process - for comprehensive axial skeleton labeling.

  5. Bone Formation & Function -

    Flat bones of the axial skeleton (e.g., skull vault) form via intramembranous ossification, while most others use endochondral ossification. The axial skeleton protects vital organs and houses marrow for hematopoiesis, as noted in Gray's Anatomy. Linking function with development strengthens your grasp on quiz axial skeleton questions.

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