Appendicular Skeleton: Upper Limb and Pelvic Girdle

Overview

The appendicular skeleton is the part of the skeletal system that includes the bones of the upper and lower limbs, as well as the bones that support them.

Divisions

The appendicular skeleton is divided into two parts:

Upper Limb

• Scapula (shoulder blade)
• Humerus (upper arm bone)
• Radius and ulna (forearm bones)
• Carpals (wrist bones)
• Metacarpals (hand bones)
• Phalanges (finger bones)

Pelvic Girdle

• Ilium, ischium, and pubis (pelvic bones)
• Sacrum (fused vertebrae at the base of the spine)
• Coccyx (tailbone)

Lower Limb

• Femur (thigh bone)
• Patella (kneecap)
• Tibia and fibula (lower leg bones)
• Tarsals (ankle bones)
• Metatarsals (foot bones)
• Phalanges (toe bones)

Functions

The appendicular skeleton provides support and movement for the upper and lower limbs, and allows for a wide range of actions such as:

• Locomotion (walking, running, etc.)
• Manipulation (grasping, lifting, etc.)
• Balance and coordination
• Protection of internal organs

Characteristics

• The appendicular skeleton is made up of 126 bones
• It is lighter and more flexible than the axial skeleton
• It is highly adapted for movement and mobility
• It is highly variable between individuals, with differences in size, shape, and structure.

The Appendicular Skeleton

• The appendicular skeleton is the part of the skeletal system that includes the bones of the upper and lower limbs, as well as the bones that support them.

Divisions

Upper Limb

• Composed of scapula (shoulder blade), humerus (upper arm bone), radius and ulna (forearm bones), carpals (wrist bones), metacarpals (hand bones), and phalanges (finger bones).

Pelvic Girdle

• Consists of ilium, ischium, and pubis (pelvic bones), sacrum (fused vertebrae at the base of the spine), and coccyx (tailbone).

Lower Limb

• Made up of femur (thigh bone), patella (kneecap), tibia and fibula (lower leg bones), tarsals (ankle bones), metatarsals (foot bones), and phalanges (toe bones).

Functions

• Provides support and movement for the upper and lower limbs.
• Enables a wide range of actions, including locomotion (walking, running, etc.), manipulation (grasping, lifting, etc.), balance and coordination, and protection of internal organs.

Characteristics

• Composed of 126 bones.
• Lighter and more flexible than the axial skeleton.
• Highly adapted for movement and mobility.
• Highly variable between individuals, with differences in size, shape, and structure.