GLOSSARY

The axial region is the central part of the body, comprising the head, neck, and trunk, and it forms the longitudinal axis of the body.
The upper and lower limbs, which make up the appendicular region, are attached to this axis.
The main roles of this region are protecting vital organs, supporting body weight, and providing a stable base for limb movement.

The Axial Skeleton

In adults, the axial skeleton consists of about 80 bones: the skull, which protects the brain; the hyoid bone; the auditory ossicles; the vertebral column, which protects the spinal cord and transmits body weight; and the thoracic cage, comprising the ribs and sternum, which encloses the heart and lungs.

Significance in Sport

The muscles of the axial region, particularly the abdominal, back, pelvic, and diaphragm muscles, make up what sports science calls the core.
These muscles transfer the force generated by the legs to the arms; in throwing a ball or punching, for example, force begins at the ground, travels through the trunk, and is released at the hand.
Poor control of the axial region can cause energy leaks and increase the load on the joints of the limbs.

Key Teaching Point

With its natural curves in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions, the vertebral column acts like a spring that absorbs the impacts of walking, running, and jumping; maintaining these curves is therefore very important in weight training.