What Is the Appendicular Skeleton?

The appendicular skeleton is the part of the skeleton that consists of the appendages. It contains 128 bones and combined with the axial skeleton (which consists of the trunk and the head), it makes up the whole skeleton.

Function

The main purpose of the appendicular skeleton is movement. The major parts of the appendicular skeleton are the arms and the legs and the parts of the shoulders and pelvis that attaches them to the body.

Specialized Bones

The appendicular skeleton contains bones that are specialized for locomotion. For example, all the long, straight bones in the body are found in the appendicular skeleton.

Joints and Girdles

As well as the limbs themselves, the appendicular skeleton includes the joints and girdles that connect the limbs to the trunk. These consist of the pelvis and shoulder girdle.

Fingers and Toes

The appendicular skeleton also includes the tiny bones of the fingers and toes, which are called phalanges.

Wrists and Feet

The complex joints that make up the wrist and the longer bones that make up the feet are also considered parts of the appendicular skeleton. These areas include some of the smallest bones in the human body.

References

• Wisc-Online.com