Editing Human skeleton (section)

===Axial===
{{Main|Axial skeleton}}
The axial skeleton (80 bones) is formed by the [[human vertebral column|vertebral column]] (32–34 bones; the number of the vertebrae differs from human to human as the lower 2 parts, sacral and coccygeal bone may vary in length), a part of the [[human rib cage|rib cage]] (12 pairs of [[rib]]s and the [[Human sternum|sternum]]), and the [[human skull|skull]] (22 bones and 7 associated bones).

The upright posture of humans is maintained by the axial skeleton, which transmits the weight from the head, the trunk, and the upper extremities down to the lower extremities at the [[hip joint]]s. The bones of the spine are supported by many ligaments. The [[erector spinae muscles]] are also supporting and are useful for balance.