part of part of develops_from postcranial axial skeleton AAO:0000034 EFO:0000942 EHDAA2:0000161 EHDAA:5049 EMAPA:17214 FMA:71221 MA:0002986 MAT:0000148 MIAA:0000148 Skeletal subdivision of the central body axis including vertebrae, notochord, ribs, and sternum.[VSAO] TAO:0000317 The axial musculoskeletal system represents the plesiomorphic locomotor engine of the vertebrate body, playing a central role in locomotion. In craniates, the evolution of the postcranial skeleton is characterized by two major transformations. First, the axial skeleton became increasingly functionally and morphologically regionalized. Second, the axial-based locomotion plesiomorphic for craniates became progressively appendage-based with the evolution of extremities in tetrapods.[well established][VHOG] The axial skeleton is formed by the vertebral column, a metameric, semi-flexible, arched bar located in the dorsal part of the trunk, and is formed by a series of cartilaginous or bony vertebrae. It provides suspension for the appendicular skeleton and protection for the spinal nerve cord.[AAO] The post-cranial structural components forming the long axis of the vertebrate body; usually consists of the notochord, vertebrae, ribs, supraneurals, intermuscular bones, and unpaired median fins.[TAO] The post-cranial subdivision of skeleton structural components forming the long axis of the vertebrate body; in Danio, consisting of the notochord, vertebrae, ribs, supraneurals, intermuscular bones, and unpaired median fins; in human consists of the bones of the vertebral column, the thoracic cage and the pelvis[ZFA+FMA]. UBERON:0002090 VHOG:0000317 VSAO:0000093 XAO:0003073 ZFA:0000317 axial skeleton http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/uberon/docs/The-axial-skeleton post-cranial axial skeleton previous some AOs had used the term 'axial skeleton' to include the skull. This is being resolved (see tracker items above). Status: MA - fixed. uberon sclerotome mesoderm-derived structure axial skeleton plus cranial skeleton subdivision of skeleton post-cranial axial skeletal system