What is Meant by Appendicular?
The term appendicular refers to the bones and structures that form the appendages of the body. These include the bones of the upper and lower limbs, the shoulder girdle, and the pelvic girdle.
The appendicular system plays a vital role in the overall structure and function of the body, as it allows for movement and manipulation of the environment. The bones of the upper limbs, such as the humerus, radius, and ulna, along with the hand and wrist bones, allow for a wide range of movements and actions, such as grasping, holding, and manipulating objects.
Similarly, the bones of the lower limbs, such as the femur, tibia, and fibula, along with the foot and ankle bones, allow for locomotion and mobility, such as walking, running, and jumping. The shoulder girdle, consisting of the clavicle and scapula, allows for the movement and positioning of the arms, while the pelvic girdle, consisting of the hip bones, provides support and protection to the reproductive and digestive organs.
Overall, the appendicular system works in conjunction with the axial system to allow for the efficient movement and functioning of the body.
Difference Between Axial and Appendicular
Axial and appendicular skeletons are the two main divisions of the human skeletal system. The axial skeleton includes bones from the central axis of the body, while the appendicular skeleton includes bones of the limbs and the girdles (shoulder and pelvic) that attach them to the axial skeleton.
The axial skeleton includes the skull, vertebral column, and ribcage. These bones protect the vital organs in the head and torso and provide support and structure for the body. The appendicular skeleton includes the bones of the arms, legs, hands, and feet. These bones are involved in movement and locomotion and also play a role in manipulating the environment.