What does the appendicular skeleton primarily consist of?

The appendicular skeleton primarily consists of the shoulders, upper and lower extremities. This skeletal part is crucial as it facilitates movement and interaction with the environment by allowing for a wide range of motions in the limbs. The appendicular skeleton includes the bones of the arms, hands, legs, feet, and the girdles that attach them to the axial skeleton, specifically the clavicles and scapulae for the upper body, and the pelvic bones for the lower body.

This structure is essential for activities such as walking, running, throwing, and grasping, making it fundamental in the overall functioning of the musculoskeletal system. In contrast, the other options provided focus on components of the axial skeleton, which comprises the skull, vertebrae, and ribcage, all of which serve to protect the central nervous system and vital organs but do not include the appendicular bones responsible for limb movement.