GLOSSARY

The appendicular skeleton is the part of the skeleton made up of the 126 bones of the upper and lower limbs and the girdles that attach them to the axial skeleton.
The word comes from the Latin appendere, meaning “to hang on”.

Components

• Pectoral girdle: the clavicle and scapula on each side.
• Upper limb: arm, forearm, wrist, and fingers; 30 bones on each side.
• Pelvic girdle: the two hip bones.
• Lower limb: thigh, patella, leg, ankle, and toes; 30 bones on each side.

Function

The main role of the appendicular skeleton is movement and locomotion