Axial

Definition

In the context of anatomy and physiology, axial refers to the muscles located in the head, neck, and back that support and move the spinal column and skull. These muscles are central to the body's structure, facilitating movement and maintaining posture.

Related terms

Skeletal Muscle:

Skeletal muscle is a type of striated muscle tissue which is under the voluntary control of the somatic nervous system; it's what most people think of as muscle, involved in locomotion.

Posture: Posture refers to the alignment and positioning of the body with respect to gravity, whether standing, sitting or lying down; it's significantly influenced by axial muscles.

Spinal Column: The spinal column is a series of vertebrae extending from the skull to the lower back, providing major support for the body's skeletal structure and protecting the spinal cord