pectoral and pelvic girdles
forelimbs, skull and pectoral girdle
lungs and ribs
skull and the vertebral column
Explanation
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### **Appendicular Skeleton: Structure & Function**
The **appendicular skeleton** consists of the bones that support movement and connect to the **axial skeleton** (which includes the skull, spine, and ribcage). It includes the **limbs (arms & legs)** and the **girdles (shoulder & pelvic)** that attach them to the body.
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### **Divisions of the Appendicular Skeleton**
#### **1. Pectoral Girdle (Shoulder Girdle)**
- **Function:** Connects the arms to the axial skeleton and allows mobility.
- **Bones (4 total):**
- **Clavicles (Collarbones) (2)** – Provide structural support.
- **Scapulae (Shoulder Blades) (2)** – Allow arm movement and muscle attachment.
#### **2. Upper Limbs (Arms & Hands)**
- **Function:** Enable movement, grasping, and dexterity.
- **Bones (60 total, 30 per arm):**
- **Humerus (2)** – Upper arm bone, connects shoulder to forearm.
- **Radius (2) & Ulna (2)** – Forearm bones, allow rotation and movement.
- **Carpals (16 total, 8 per wrist)** – Small wrist bones.
- **Metacarpals (10 total, 5 per hand)** – Palm bones.
- **Phalanges (28 total, 14 per hand)** – Finger bones (each finger has 3, thumb has 2).
#### **3. Pelvic Girdle (Hip Bones)**
- **Function:** Supports body weight, protects organs, connects legs to the axial skeleton.
- **Bones (2 total):**
- **Hip Bones (Ilium, Ischium, Pubis on each side)**
#### **4. Lower Limbs (Legs & Feet)**
- **Function:** Provide stability, movement, and weight-bearing support.
- **Bones (60 total, 30 per leg):**
- **Femur (2)** – Thigh bone, longest and strongest bone in the body.
- **Patella (2)** – Kneecap, protects knee joint.
- **Tibia (2) & Fibula (2)** – Lower leg bones, support walking.
- **Tarsals (14 total, 7 per ankle)** – Ankle bones, including the **calcaneus (heel bone)**.
- **Metatarsals (10 total, 5 per foot)** – Midfoot bones.
- **Phalanges (28 total, 14 per foot)** – Toe bones.
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### **Functions of the Appendicular Skeleton**
**Mobility & Movement** – Allows walking, running, grasping, and manipulation.
**Support & Balance** – Pelvic and shoulder girdles stabilize the body.
**Protection** – Shields vital organs (e.g., pelvis protects reproductive organs).
**Muscle Attachment** – Provides anchor points for muscles involved in motion.
Would you like a labeled diagram or more details on any part? 
