No, the tibia is not part of the axial skeleton. The tibia, commonly known as the shin bone, is one of the two long bones in the lower leg, the other being the fibula. It is classified as a part of the appendicular skeleton, which encompasses the bones of the limbs and the bones connecting them to the trunk.
The axial skeleton, on the other hand, includes the bones that form the long axis of the body, which consists of the skull, vertebral column, ribs, and sternum. These structures protect the central nervous system and the thoracic organs.
In summary, while the tibia plays a crucial role in supporting body weight and facilitating movement in the lower limb, it belongs to the appendicular skeleton rather than the axial skeleton.