Appendicular skeleton
Appendicular Skeleton
The Appendicular Skeleton (/əˈpɛndɪkjʊlər ˈskɛlɪtən/), from the Latin appendicula, meaning "appendage", is a part of the human skeleton that includes the limbs, which are attached to the rest of the skeleton.
Etymology
The term "Appendicular" is derived from the Latin appendicula, which means "appendage". The term "Skeleton" comes from the Greek skeletos, meaning "dried up". Together, they refer to the part of the skeleton that consists of the bones of the appendages.
Structure
The Appendicular Skeleton consists of 126 bones in the human body. It includes the pectoral girdles, the upper limbs, the pelvic girdle, and the lower limbs.
- The Pectoral Girdles are made up of the clavicle (collar bone) and the scapula (shoulder blade).
- The Upper Limbs include the humerus (upper arm bone), the radius and ulna (forearm bones), the carpals (wrist bones), the metacarpals (hand bones), and the phalanges (finger bones).
- The Pelvic Girdle is formed by two hip bones.
- The Lower Limbs include the femur (thigh bone), the patella (kneecap), the tibia and fibula (lower leg bones), the tarsals (ankle bones), the metatarsals (foot bones), and the phalanges (toe bones).
Function
The Appendicular Skeleton serves several major functions. It provides support and flexibility to the body, allows for movement in conjunction with the muscular system, and protects some of the major organs of the body.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Appendicular skeleton
- Wikipedia's article - Appendicular skeleton
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