Human Anatomy: Appendicular Skeleton Quiz

Questions and Answers

What are the major parts of the appendicular skeleton?

The major parts of the appendicular skeleton are the pectoral girdle, the pelvic girdle, and the appendages.

Explain how the bones of the forearm allow the hand to rotate. Why is this a wise design?

When you rotate your hand, your ulna does not rotate with your hand. This is a wise design because it provides the forearm with great strength while allowing for rotation of the hand.

Explain how the foot is a marvel of God's design and engineering.

The human foot is a masterpiece of engineering; it's a miniature suspension bridge, but more complicated than any normal suspension bridge.

Professional football players have been known to play through an entire game with a cracked fibula. How is this possible?

Football players can keep playing because they use their tibia, which is much thicker and can support itself. Signup and view all the answers

What is the patella?

Kneecap Signup and view all the answers

What is the pectoral girdle?

Shoulders Signup and view all the answers

What is the pelvic girdle?

Pelvis Signup and view all the answers

What role does the pelvis play in the human body?

It attaches to the sacrum of the axial skeleton, forming a rigid ring of thick bone that supports most of the body's weight. Signup and view all the answers

What are phalanges?

Attached to the metacarpals, there are fourteen of these. Signup and view all the answers

What are tendons?

A strong 'cable' of tough fibers that attaches a muscle to a bone. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Appendicular Skeleton

Comprises the pectoral girdle, pelvic girdle, and appendages.
Essential for limb movement and attachment to the axial skeleton.

Forearm Rotation

Ulna remains stationary during hand rotation, enhancing forearm strength.
This design supports both mobility and stability, crucial for various activities.

Human Foot Structure

The human foot functions as a complex suspension bridge.
Its design allows for efficient weight distribution and stability during movement.

Lower Limb Resilience

Professional football players often play with a cracked fibula due to the strength of the tibia.
The tibia is thicker, allowing players to maintain mobility despite injury.

Key Bone Terms

Patella: Known as the kneecap, it protects the knee joint.
Pectoral Girdle: Refers to the shoulder structure that supports arm attachment.
Pelvic Girdle: Also known as the pelvis, provides attachment to the sacrum and supports body weight.

Pelvis Function

Forms a rigid ring of thick bone essential for supporting most of the body's weight.
Connects with the axial skeleton at the sacrum, ensuring structural integrity.

Phalanges

Total of fourteen phalanges in the hand, linked to the metacarpals.
Essential for dexterity and grip functionality.

Tendons

Strong fibers acting as cables connecting muscles to bones.
Critical for transmitting forces during movement, allowing for joint mobility and stability.

Description

Test your knowledge of the appendicular skeleton, which includes the pectoral and pelvic girdles as well as limb structures. Explore how these elements support movement and stability in the human body. Gain insights into the importance of key bones and their functions in everyday activities.