Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam 2026 – The All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

The axial skeletal system refers to the central core of the human body and is comprised of the bones along the body's long axis. This includes the skull, vertebral column (spine), rib cage, and the sternum (breastbone).

The skeletal muscles, on the other hand, are not a part of the skeletal system itself; they are the muscles that attach to bones and enable movement. They play an essential role in locomotion and support but do not form part of the bony structure that is categorized under the axial skeleton.

In contrast, the skull, ribs, and breastbone are all integral components of the axial skeleton, which helps protect vital organs and supports the body's upright posture. Therefore, it is accurate to say that the skeletal muscles are excluded from the axial skeletal system because they are a distinct type of tissue responsible for movement rather than part of the bony framework.