Which of the following is NOT considered part of the axial skeleton?

The limbs are classified as part of the appendicular skeleton, which includes the bones of the arms and legs, as well as the shoulder and pelvic girdles. The axial skeleton consists of the bones that form the central axis of the body, including the skull, vertebral column (spine), and rib cage.

The spine provides structural support and protects the spinal cord, while the skull encases and protects the brain and supports the structures of the face. The ribs form the rib cage, which protects the thoracic cavity and vital organs within it. Since the limbs do not belong to this central structure and serve more in conjunction with movement and support of the body, they are distinctly separate from the axial components. Thus, identifying the limbs as not part of the axial skeleton is based on their anatomical classification and functional role.