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{{short description|Part of the human skeleton that includes the limbs and girdles}} | |||
{{Human anatomy}} | |||
The '''appendicular skeleton''' is a major division of the human [[skeleton]] that includes the bones of the limbs and the supporting [[girdle]]s. It is essential for movement and interaction with the environment, providing attachment points for muscles and facilitating locomotion. | |||
== | ==Structure== | ||
The | The appendicular skeleton is composed of 126 bones and is divided into two main regions: the upper and lower limbs, along with their respective girdles. | ||
== | ===Upper Limb=== | ||
The | The upper limb consists of the following components: | ||
* '''[[Pectoral girdle]]''': Comprising the [[clavicle]] and [[scapula]], the pectoral girdle connects the upper limb to the trunk and provides attachment points for muscles. | |||
The | * '''[[Arm]]''': The arm contains the [[humerus]], which is the single bone of the upper arm. | ||
* '''[[Forearm]]''': The forearm consists of two bones, the [[radius]] and [[ulna]], which allow for the rotation of the wrist. | |||
* '''[[Hand]]''': The hand is made up of the [[carpal bones]] (wrist), [[metacarpal bones]] (palm), and [[phalanges]] (fingers). | |||
== | ===Lower Limb=== | ||
The lower limb includes the following components: | |||
* '''[[Pelvic girdle]]''': Formed by the [[hip bones]], the pelvic girdle connects the lower limb to the axial skeleton and supports the weight of the upper body. | |||
* [[ | * '''[[Thigh]]''': The thigh contains the [[femur]], the longest and strongest bone in the body. | ||
* [[ | * '''[[Leg]]''': The leg is composed of the [[tibia]] and [[fibula]], which support the body's weight and allow for movement. | ||
* [[ | * '''[[Foot]]''': The foot includes the [[tarsal bones]] (ankle), [[metatarsal bones]] (midfoot), and [[phalanges]] (toes). | ||
== | ==Function== | ||
The appendicular skeleton serves several critical functions: | |||
* '''Movement''': It provides the framework for muscle attachment, enabling movement and locomotion. | |||
* | * '''Support''': It supports the weight of the body, particularly in the lower limbs. | ||
* | * '''Protection''': It protects vital organs, such as the [[pelvis]] protecting the [[reproductive organs]]. | ||
* '''Storage''': It stores minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for various bodily functions. | |||
[[ | ==Development== | ||
[[ | The appendicular skeleton develops from the [[mesoderm]] during embryonic development. The process involves the formation of [[cartilage]] models, which are gradually replaced by bone through [[endochondral ossification]]. | ||
[[ | |||
[[Category: | ==Clinical Significance== | ||
[[Category: | Disorders of the appendicular skeleton can significantly impact mobility and quality of life. Common conditions include: | ||
* '''[[Fracture]]s''': Breaks in the bones due to trauma or stress. | |||
* '''[[Arthritis]]''': Inflammation of the joints, leading to pain and stiffness. | |||
* '''[[Osteoporosis]]''': A condition characterized by decreased bone density, increasing the risk of fractures. | |||
==Related pages== | |||
* [[Axial skeleton]] | |||
* [[Human skeleton]] | |||
* [[Bone]] | |||
* [[Joint]] | |||
==Gallery== | |||
<gallery> | |||
File:Appendicular_skeleton_diagram.svg|Diagram of the appendicular skeleton | |||
</gallery> | |||
[[Category:Human anatomy]] | |||
[[Category:Skeletal system]] | |||
Revision as of 18:19, 11 February 2025
Part of the human skeleton that includes the limbs and girdles
| Anatomy and morphology | ||||||||||
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The appendicular skeleton is a major division of the human skeleton that includes the bones of the limbs and the supporting girdles. It is essential for movement and interaction with the environment, providing attachment points for muscles and facilitating locomotion.
Structure
The appendicular skeleton is composed of 126 bones and is divided into two main regions: the upper and lower limbs, along with their respective girdles.
Upper Limb
The upper limb consists of the following components:
- Pectoral girdle: Comprising the clavicle and scapula, the pectoral girdle connects the upper limb to the trunk and provides attachment points for muscles.
- Arm: The arm contains the humerus, which is the single bone of the upper arm.
- Forearm: The forearm consists of two bones, the radius and ulna, which allow for the rotation of the wrist.
- Hand: The hand is made up of the carpal bones (wrist), metacarpal bones (palm), and phalanges (fingers).
Lower Limb
The lower limb includes the following components:
- Pelvic girdle: Formed by the hip bones, the pelvic girdle connects the lower limb to the axial skeleton and supports the weight of the upper body.
- Thigh: The thigh contains the femur, the longest and strongest bone in the body.
- Leg: The leg is composed of the tibia and fibula, which support the body's weight and allow for movement.
- Foot: The foot includes the tarsal bones (ankle), metatarsal bones (midfoot), and phalanges (toes).
Function
The appendicular skeleton serves several critical functions:
- Movement: It provides the framework for muscle attachment, enabling movement and locomotion.
- Support: It supports the weight of the body, particularly in the lower limbs.
- Protection: It protects vital organs, such as the pelvis protecting the reproductive organs.
- Storage: It stores minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for various bodily functions.
Development
The appendicular skeleton develops from the mesoderm during embryonic development. The process involves the formation of cartilage models, which are gradually replaced by bone through endochondral ossification.
Clinical Significance
Disorders of the appendicular skeleton can significantly impact mobility and quality of life. Common conditions include:
- Fractures: Breaks in the bones due to trauma or stress.
- Arthritis: Inflammation of the joints, leading to pain and stiffness.
- Osteoporosis: A condition characterized by decreased bone density, increasing the risk of fractures.
Related pages
Gallery
-
Diagram of the appendicular skeleton