Which part of the skeleton includes the skull and spine?

The axial skeleton is the central component of the human skeleton, consisting of the skull, vertebral column (spine), and rib cage. This part of the skeleton serves several vital functions: it provides support and protection for the brain, spinal cord, and thoracic organs, and it plays a crucial role in maintaining the body's structural integrity.

The skull encloses and protects the brain, housing essential sensory organs, while the spine provides support for the body and houses the spinal cord, which is a critical part of the central nervous system. Together, these components form the core framework that supports all other body structures.

In contrast, the appendicular skeleton consists of the limbs and the girdles that attach them to the axial skeleton. The terms "peripheral skeleton" and "articular skeleton" are not commonly used in anatomical terminology and do not refer to recognized classifications of the human skeleton. Therefore, the axial skeleton is the correct term for the collection of bones that includes the skull and spine.