appendicular skeleton
bones of the girdles and limbs
The appendicular skeleton is the portion of the human skeleton that includes the bones of the limbs and the girdles that attach them to the axial skeleton (the part of the skeleton that includes the bones of the skull, spine, and rib cage). It is composed of 126 bones in total and is divided into four main regions:
1. The upper limbs (arms): The upper limb bones consist of the humerus in the upper arm, the radius and ulna in the forearm, and the bones of the wrist (carpals), hand (metacarpals), and fingers (phalanges).
2. The lower limbs (legs): The lower limb bones consist of the femur in the thigh, the tibia and fibula in the leg, and the bones of the ankle (tarsals), foot (metatarsals), and toes (phalanges).
3. The pectoral (shoulder) girdle: The pectoral girdle is made up of the clavicle (collarbone) and the scapula (shoulder blade) and attaches the upper limbs to the axial skeleton of the trunk.
4. The pelvic (hip) girdle: The pelvic girdle is made up of two hip bones and attaches the lower limbs to the axial skeleton of the trunk.
Overall, the appendicular skeleton supports the body’s weight, allows for movement and locomotion, and provides attachment points for muscles that enable movement of the limbs.
More Answers:
Trochanters: Important Bony Landmarks and Their Role in Hip FunctionDifferent Meanings of Crest in Various Contexts
Tuberosities: Anatomy and Functions of Bony Projections for Muscle, Ligament, and Tendon Attachments.