What does the axial skeleton protect?

The axial skeleton in humans protects everything from the brain to the internal organs located in the torso. It includes bones like the spinal column, ribs, skull and sternum.

The axial skeleton is supported by the appendicular skeleton. Included in the appendicular skeleton are the bones of both the upper and lower extremities, the hip bones and the shoulder girdle. All of these bones in both skeletons combine to form a human skeleton that supports and protects every major part of the body.

Besides providing support and protection for the body, the bones also serve as a storage facility for minerals and blood cells made within the bone marrow.