Which bone region is NOT part of the axial skeleton?

• A. Skull
• B. Rib cage
• C. Pelvis
• D. Vertebral column

Answer: (C)

The axial skeleton forms the central axis of the body and includes the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage. The pelvis belongs to the appendicular skeleton, which covers the limbs and the girdles that attach them to the trunk. The pelvic girdle, built from the hip bones connecting to the sacrum, mainly supports and anchors the lower limbs for movement, rather than forming the body's central axis. Therefore, the pelvis is not part of the axial skeleton, while the skull, rib cage, and vertebral column are.