Unlock hundreds more features
Save your Quiz to the Dashboard
View and Export Results
Use AI to Create Quizzes and Analyse Results

OR
Sign inSign in with Facebook
Sign inSign in with Google
Quizzes > Health & Medicine

Axial Skeleton Quiz: Skull, Ribs, and Spine Practice

Quick, free skull and spine quiz to test your knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Ryan YoungerUpdated Aug 28, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art axial skeleton showing skull spine ribs and vertebrae on coral background for cranial and vertebral bone quiz

Use this axial skeleton quiz to review the skull, vertebrae, and rib cage, and spot gaps before a test. For targeted practice, try the axial and appendicular skeleton quiz, deepen recall with the vertebral column and skull quiz, or focus on the thorax with the rib cage anatomy quiz.

Which bone forms the forehead?
Occipital bone
Frontal bone
Parietal bone
Temporal bone
The frontal bone forms the forehead and the upper part of the eye sockets. It articulates with the parietal bones at the coronal suture and contains the frontal sinuses. This bone plays a key role in protecting the frontal lobes of the brain.
What is the primary function of the axial skeleton?
Enable limb movement
Store fats
Protect vital organs
Produce blood cells
The axial skeleton provides support and protection for the brain, spinal cord, and thoracic organs. It includes the skull, vertebral column, ribs, and sternum. While it also serves as an attachment site for muscles, its primary role is organ protection.
How many vertebrae are in the cervical spine?
7
9
5
12
The cervical region of the spine consists of seven vertebrae labeled C1 through C7. These vertebrae support the skull and enable head movement. The first two vertebrae, atlas and axis, have unique shapes to permit nodding and rotation.
The hyoid bone is unique because it:
Contains the olfactory foramina
Does not articulate with any other bone
Is part of the pelvic girdle
Forms the base of the skull
The hyoid bone is U-shaped and lies between the chin and the thyroid cartilage. It is unique in that it does not articulate directly with any other bone, instead being suspended by muscles and ligaments. This bone supports the tongue and its movements.
Which of the following is NOT part of the axial skeleton?
Ribs
Sternum
Vertebrae
Clavicle
The axial skeleton includes the skull, vertebral column, ribs, and sternum. The clavicle, or collarbone, is part of the appendicular skeleton and connects the upper limb to the trunk. Recognizing this distinction is fundamental in skeletal anatomy.
The foramen magnum is located in which bone?
Occipital bone
Sphenoid bone
Temporal bone
Parietal bone
The foramen magnum is the large opening at the base of the skull through which the spinal cord passes. It is a defining feature of the occipital bone. This landmark marks the transition between the brainstem and the spinal cord.
Which bone houses the middle and inner ear structures?
Maxilla
Frontal bone
Sphenoid bone
Temporal bone
The temporal bone contains the external acoustic meatus and encloses the middle and inner ear structures. It articulates with the parietal, occipital, sphenoid, and zygomatic bones. The specialized petrous portion houses the cochlea and vestibular apparatus.
The sternum consists of three parts called manubrium, body, and what?
Sternal angle
Jugular notch
Costal cartilage
Xiphoid process
The sternum has three regions: the manubrium at the top, the body or gladiolus in the middle, and the xiphoid process at the inferior end. The xiphoid process is the smallest and most variable part. It ossifies separately and fuses with age.
Which vertebra has a distinctive odontoid process known as the dens?
C3 vertebra
Axis (C2)
T1 vertebra
Atlas (C1)
The axis, or C2 vertebra, possesses a prominent odontoid process called the dens that projects superiorly and articulates with the atlas. This pivot allows head rotation. Damage to the dens can destabilize the cervical spine.
What type of joint connects the ribs to the sternum?
Fibrous
Synovial
Hinge
Synchondrosis
The ribs attach to the sternum via costal cartilages that form synchondroses, a type of cartilaginous joint. These joints allow limited movement for breathing. Over time, some costal cartilages may ossify.
Which cranial bone contributes to the structure of the nasal cavity and the medial wall of the orbit?
Maxilla
Sphenoid bone
Lacrimal bone
Ethmoid bone
The ethmoid bone forms the superior portion of the nasal septum, the nasal cavity roof, and part of the medial orbital walls. Its cribriform plate allows olfactory nerve passage. It is centrally located in the anterior cranial base.
The atlas vertebra (C1) lacks which common vertebral feature?
Vertebral body
Lamina
Spinous process
Transverse foramen
The atlas (C1) lacks a vertebral body and spinous process; instead, it consists of anterior and posterior arches. It supports the skull by articulating with the occipital condyles. Its unique anatomy allows nodding movements.
How many pairs of true ribs are there?
7
3
5
12
True ribs (pairs 1 - 7) attach directly to the sternum via their own costal cartilages. Ribs 8 - 10 are vertebrochondral (indirect) and 11 - 12 are floating. The distinction is important for thoracic cavity mechanics.
Which foramen is located in the sphenoid bone?
Jugular foramen
Foramen ovale
Foramen magnum
Optic canal
The foramen ovale is an opening in the greater wing of the sphenoid bone that transmits the mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve (V3). It lies posterolateral to the foramen rotundum.
The external occipital protuberance serves as an attachment for which ligament or muscle?
Ligamentum flavum
Sternocleidomastoid muscle
Nuchal ligament
Deltoid muscle
The external occipital protuberance is a midline projection on the occipital bone. It provides attachment for the nuchal ligament, which helps support the head. This landmark is palpable at the back of the skull.
Which bone is known as the "keystone" of the cranial floor?
Sphenoid bone
Ethmoid bone
Occipital bone
Temporal bone
The sphenoid bone articulates with all other cranial bones, earning it the nickname "keystone." It contributes to the floor of the cranium, the orbits, and the nasal cavity. Its central position stabilizes the skull.
Which cranial nerve passes through the jugular foramen?
Abducens nerve (VI)
Optic nerve (II)
Glossopharyngeal nerve (IX)
Hypoglossal nerve (XII)
The jugular foramen, between the temporal and occipital bones, transmits cranial nerves IX (glossopharyngeal), X (vagus), and XI (accessory), as well as the internal jugular vein. The glossopharyngeal nerve exits the skull here.
Which vertebral level corresponds to the inferior angle of the scapula?
L1
C7
T3
T7
The inferior angle of the scapula aligns with the T7 vertebral spinous process when the arms are adducted. This surface landmark aids in identifying thoracic levels. It is used in clinical examinations.
What part of the sacrum articulates with the ilium to form the sacroiliac joint?
Transverse ridge
Sacral promontory
Auricular surface
Sacral canal
The auricular surface of the sacrum is located on its lateral sides and articulates with the ilium to form the sacroiliac joint. This joint transmits forces from the lower limbs to the axial skeleton. The surface is ear-shaped and covered with cartilage.
The bregma is the junction between which cranial sutures?
Lambdoid and sagittal sutures
Coronal and lambdoid sutures
Coronal and sagittal sutures
Squamous and lambdoid sutures
The bregma is the anatomical point where the coronal suture (between frontal and parietal bones) meets the sagittal suture (between the two parietal bones). It is a key landmark in neurosurgery and fetal skull assessment.
The foramen rotundum transmits which cranial nerve?
Ophthalmic nerve (V1)
Facial nerve (VII)
Mandibular nerve (V3)
Maxillary nerve (V2)
The foramen rotundum, located in the greater wing of the sphenoid bone, transmits the maxillary division (V2) of the trigeminal nerve. It lies anteromedial to the foramen ovale. Impingement here can cause facial pain.
The pars interarticularis is located between which structures?
Spinous process and transverse process
Vertebral body and transverse process
Pedicle and lamina
Superior and inferior articular processes
The pars interarticularis is the region of the lamina between the superior and inferior articular processes of a vertebra. It is clinically significant in spondylolysis when it fractures. It forms part of the vertebral arch.
During development, the occipital bone ossifies from how many primary centers?
Six
Two
Three
Four
The occipital bone develops from four ossification centers: one for the squamous part (supraoccipital), one for the basilar part, and two for the lateral parts (exoccipitals). These centers fuse in early childhood. Understanding this is crucial for cranial development studies.
Which muscle attaches to the mastoid process of the temporal bone and is innervated by the accessory nerve?
Sternocleidomastoid
Splenius capitis
Trapezius
Digastric
The sternocleidomastoid muscle originates from the manubrium and medial clavicle and inserts on the mastoid process of the temporal bone. It is innervated by the spinal accessory nerve (CN XI). It functions to rotate and flex the head.
The hypoglossal canal transmits which cranial nerve?
Hypoglossal nerve (XII)
Accessory nerve (XI)
Vagus nerve (X)
Glossopharyngeal nerve (IX)
The hypoglossal canal is located in the occipital bone just above the occipital condyles. It carries the hypoglossal nerve (CN XII), which innervates intrinsic and extrinsic tongue muscles. Damage here can affect speech and swallowing.
0
{"name":"Which bone forms the forehead?", "url":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/QPREVIEW","txt":"Which bone forms the forehead?, What is the primary function of the axial skeleton?, How many vertebrae are in the cervical spine?","img":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/3012/images/ogquiz.png"}

Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Cranial Bone Structures -

    Understand the names and locations of the main cranial bones tested in this axial skeleton quiz to reinforce your anatomy foundation.

  2. Differentiate Vertebral Segments -

    Distinguish between cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae by key features, preparing you for questions in the axial skeleton bones quiz.

  3. Explain Rib Articulations -

    Describe how ribs connect to the thoracic vertebrae and sternum, enhancing your ability to answer axial bone quiz items correctly.

  4. Apply Bone Identification Skills -

    Use visual and descriptive cues to pinpoint individual axial bones during the quiz, boosting both speed and accuracy.

  5. Analyze Quiz Feedback -

    Review your instantaneous quiz results to identify strengths and target areas for further study in axial bones quiz content.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Cranial Bones and the "Old People From Texas Eat Spiders" Mnemonic -

    The cranium consists of eight bones: frontal, parietal (x2), temporal (x2), occipital, sphenoid, and ethmoid. Use the phrase "Old People From Texas Eat Spiders" to recall Occipital, Parietal, Frontal, Temporal, Ethmoid, and Sphenoid. This trick is widely taught in university anatomy labs (Gray's Anatomy) to speed up identification during an axial skeleton quiz.

  2. Vertebral Column Segments and "Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner" Mnemonic -

    Memorize 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 fused sacral, and ~4 coccygeal vertebrae with "Breakfast at 7, Lunch at 12, Dinner at 5." A handy tip for mastering vertebral segments in your axial skeleton bones quiz is to visualize the spine as meal times on a clock face. This approach is endorsed by the American Association of Anatomists for quick recall under timed quiz settings.

  3. Rib Classification and Articulations -

    The 12 rib pairs divide into true ribs (1 - 7 attached directly to the sternum), false ribs (8 - 10 via shared cartilage), and floating ribs (11 - 12 free ends). Each rib head has superior and inferior demifacets for articulating with adjacent thoracic vertebrae, and its tubercle matches the transverse process. Reviewing Netter's Atlas diagrams can sharpen your understanding of these costovertebral joints before tackling rib questions on an axial bones quiz.

  4. Sternal Landmarks and Rib Counting at the Angle of Louis -

    The manubrium, body, and xiphoid process form the sternum, with the sternal angle (Angle of Louis) at the junction of manubrium and body. This landmark aligns with the second rib and the T4 - T5 vertebral level, serving as a reliable rib counter in clinical exams. NIH anatomy guides stress that locating the Angle of Louis is essential when identifying rib levels in standardized axial assessments.

  5. Distinctive Vertebral Features: Cervical, Thoracic, and Lumbar -

    Cervical vertebrae have bifid spinous processes and transverse foramina, thoracic vertebrae show costal facets for rib articulation, and lumbar vertebrae sport large bodies with hatchet-shaped spinous processes. Recognizing these traits helps you tackle vertebral identification questions with ease. This classification approach is taught in top medical schools and appears frequently in axial bone quizzes.

Make a Quiz (FREE) Copy & Edit This Quiz Create a Quiz with AI

Human Anatomy & Medicine Quizzes

Powered by: Quiz Maker