The skeleton is divided into the axial skeleton which includes the skull, vertebral column, ribs and sternum, and the appendicular skeleton which includes the shoulder and pelvic girdles and their attached limbs. The skull is formed from numerous flat bones that protect the brain and provide structure to the face. The vertebral column is made up of 26 bones including 24 vertebrae that provide protection to the spinal cord and allow movement. The rib cage is formed from 12 pairs of ribs and the sternum in the front and connects to the vertebral column in the back. The appendicular skeleton includes all bones of the upper and lower limbs which are attached to the body via the shoulder and pelvic girdles.