What does the appendicular skeleton include?

The appendicular skeleton is a major component of the human skeletal system that includes the bones of the limbs as well as the bones that anchor the limbs to the axial skeleton. This includes the shoulder girdle (which comprises the clavicles and scapulae) and the bones of the upper and lower limbs, such as the humerus, femur, radius, ulna, tibia, fibula, metacarpals, and metatarsals.

Understanding this structure is vital for anyone studying anatomy, as the appendicular skeleton plays a crucial role in mobility and the ability to perform various physical activities. In contrast, the cranial bones, rib cage, pelvis, and spinal column belong to different parts of the skeleton; the cranial bones are part of the skull, the rib cage is part of the thoracic region, the pelvis is a connecting structure for the lower limbs, and the spinal column protects the spinal cord and provides structural support. Each of these components is essential for understanding human anatomy, but they are categorized within the axial skeleton or other areas rather than the appendicular skeleton, which focuses specifically on limbs and the girdles connecting them to the body.