The postcranial subdivision of skeleton structural components forming the long axis of the vertebrate body; in Danio, consisting of the notochord, vertebrae, ribs, supraneurals, intermuscular bones, and unpaired median fins; in human consists of the bones of the vertebral column, the thoracic cage and the pelvis[ZFA+FMA]. [ https://sourceforge.net/tracker/?func=detail&aid=2983975&group_id=76834&atid=974957 https://sourceforge.net/tracker/?func=detail&atid=1205376&aid=2983977&group_id=76834 ZFA:0000317 ]
Synonyms: post-cranial axial skeleton
Term information
- VHOG:0000317
- MAT:0000148
- VSAO:0000093
- MIAA:0000148
- EFO:0000942
- MA:0002986
- EHDAA2:0000161
- EMAPA:17214
- EHDAA:5049
- ZFA:0000317
- XAO:0003073
- EMAPA:37721 (MA:th)
- TAO:0000317
- FMA:71221
- AAO:0000034
uberon_slim, efo_slim, pheno_slim, vertebrate_core
The post-cranial structural components forming the long axis of the vertebrate body; usually consists of the notochord, vertebrae, ribs, supraneurals, intermuscular bones, and unpaired median fins.[TAO]
Skeletal subdivision of the central body axis including vertebrae, notochord, ribs, and sternum.[VSAO]
The axial skeleton is formed by the vertebral column, a metameric, semi-flexible, arched bar located in the dorsal part of the trunk, and is formed by a series of cartilaginous or bony vertebrae. It provides suspension for the appendicular skeleton and protection for the spinal nerve cord.[AAO]
The axial musculoskeletal system represents the plesiomorphic locomotor engine of the vertebrate body, playing a central role in locomotion. In craniates, the evolution of the postcranial skeleton is characterized by two major transformations. First, the axial skeleton became increasingly functionally and morphologically regionalized. Second, the axial-based locomotion plesiomorphic for craniates became progressively appendage-based with the evolution of extremities in tetrapods.[well established][VHOG]
previous some AOs had used the term 'axial skeleton' to include the skull. This is being resolved (see tracker items above). Status: MA - fixed.