The appendicular skeleton consists of the bones of the upper and lower extremities, which are essential for movement and manipulation. Here are the four main parts of each:
Upper Extremity
- Shoulder Girdle: This includes the clavicle (collarbone) and scapula (shoulder blade). The shoulder girdle connects the upper limbs to the axial skeleton.
- Arm: The arm consists of a single bone called the humerus, which extends from the shoulder to the elbow.
- Forearm: The forearm contains two bones: the radius and the ulna. These bones run from the elbow to the wrist.
- Hand: The hand includes the carpals (wrist bones), metacarpals (palm bones), and phalanges (finger bones).
Lower Extremity
- Pelvic Girdle: This includes the hip bones (ilium, ischium, and pubis). The pelvic girdle connects the lower limbs to the axial skeleton.
- Thigh: The thigh contains a single bone called the femur, which is the longest bone in the body and extends from the hip to the knee.
- Leg: The leg consists of two bones: the tibia (shinbone) and the fibula. These bones run from the knee to the ankle.
- Foot: The foot includes the tarsals (ankle bones), metatarsals (foot bones), and phalanges (toe bones).
Understanding these parts helps in studying human anatomy and the mechanics of movement.