The axial skeleton is composed of 80 bones. It is made up of the cranial bones as well as the bones of the thoracic cavity and the vertebral cavity. There are many disorders that affect the axial skeletal system including abnormal curvatures of the vertebral column, spina bifida, cranial malformations, etc.

This week you will research the bones that comprise the axial skeleton and conduct additional research on one disorder that affects this system. Please do not consider osteoporosis or Paget’s disease as those will be addressed in Seminar. Once your research is complete, answer the following:

• What disorder did you choose to write about?
• Which part of the axial skeleton does this disorder affect?
• What are the symptoms of this disorder?
• What are the long term effects of this disorder?
• Describe some of the current treatments available for this disorder. Which treatment would you choose and why?
• Is there any research for new potential treatment options? Explain.