Download Appendicular Skeleton Anatomy

Appendicular Skeleton Anatomy
The appendicular skeleton is composed of the upper limbs, lower limbs,
pectoral girdle, and pelvic girdle. The appendicular skeleton functions to
anchor the limbs to the axial skeleton.
The pectoral girdle consists of a scapula and clavicle on each side of
the body. The pectoral (shoulder) girdle permits movement of the upper
limbs by connecting the upper limbs to the axial skeleton.
The upper limbs of the appendicular skeleton are composed of the
humerus or upper arm bone, the radius and ulna, which complement
each other to form the forearm, and the wrist. The hand subdivides into
smaller bones of the palm and fingers.
The pelvic girdle of the appendicular skeleton is composed of two
coxal bones (fused ilium, ischium and pubis bones), which attach to the
vertebral column and the lower limbs.
The lower limbs each consist of the femur, or thigh bone; the tibia, or
shinbone and the fibula, or calf bone; and the foot. The patella is the
bone located at the point where the femur and tibia articulate with each
other. The foot subdivides into smaller bones of the ankle, instep, and
toes.
The table below lists the location and function of the major bones of the
appendicular skeleton:
Bone(s) Location
Function
Major
grouping of
appendicular
skeleton
Scapula
Flat, triangular
bone located
on the
posterior side
of each
shoulder
Articulates with the
clavicle and humerus
Pectoral girdle
Clavicle
Located in each
shoulder at the
base of the
neck
Helps to keep the
shoulders in place as
part of the pectoral
girdle
Pectoral girdle
Humerus
Extends from
the scapula to
Provides attachments
for muscles that move
Upper limbs
Bone(s) Location
Function
Major
grouping of
appendicular
skeleton
the elbow
the shoulder and upper
arm at the proximal
end; articulates with
the radius and ulna at
the distal end
Radius
Located on the
lateral side of
the forearm
between the
elbow and
wrist
Provides attachment
Upper limbs
for muscles that rotate
and bend the arm at the
elbow and muscles that
allow movement of the
wrist
Ulna
Located on the
medial side of
the forearm
between the
elbow and
wrist
Provides attachment
for muscles that bend
and straighten the arm
at the elbow and
muscles that allow
movement of the wrist
Upper limbs
Ilium
Located on the
superior
portion of the
coxal bone
Connects the bones of
the lower limbs to the
axial skeleton
Pelvic girdle
Femur
Extends from
the hip to the
knee
Provides attachment
Lower limbs
for muscles of the lower
limbs and buttocks;
distal end articulates
with the tibia and
patella
Bone(s) Location
Function
Major
grouping of
appendicular
skeleton
Tibia
Located on the
medial side of
the leg between
the knee and
the ankle
Articulates with the
femur, on its superior
side, to form the knee
joint; articulates with
the fibula on the lateral
side; articulates with
the patella on the
anterior side; and the
tarsels to form the
ankle joint
Lower limbs
Fibula
Located on the
lateral side of
the tibia
between the
knee and ankle
Forms the lateral part
of the ankle joint
Lower limbs
Patella
Located on the
anterior
surface of the
articulation
between the
femur and tibia
Supports movement of
the knee joint
Lower limbs