Which statement describes the Appendicular Skeleton?

Which statement describes the Appendicular Skeleton?

• A. It includes the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage
• B. It stores fat in the diaphysis
• C. It comprises the limbs and girdles such as the pelvis and shoulder
• D. It enables movement of the spine

Answer: (C)

The appendicular skeleton is the part of the skeleton that attaches to the trunk and enables movement and interaction with the surroundings. It includes the limbs (arms and legs) and the girdles that anchor them to the body—the shoulder girdle and the pelvic girdle. That’s why describing it as comprising the limbs and girdles such as the pelvis and shoulder best fits. This set apart from other statements: the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage form the axial skeleton, which supports and protects the central axis of the body. Storing fat in the diaphysis relates to yellow bone marrow in long bones and isn’t a defining feature of the appendicular system. Enabling movement of the spine involves the axial skeleton and the vertebral column rather than the limbs and their girdles.

The appendicular skeleton is the part of the skeleton that attaches to the trunk and enables movement and interaction with the surroundings. It includes the limbs (arms and legs) and the girdles that anchor them to the body—the shoulder girdle and the pelvic girdle. That’s why describing it as comprising the limbs and girdles such as the pelvis and shoulder best fits.

This set apart from other statements: the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage form the axial skeleton, which supports and protects the central axis of the body. Storing fat in the diaphysis relates to yellow bone marrow in long bones and isn’t a defining feature of the appendicular system. Enabling movement of the spine involves the axial skeleton and the vertebral column rather than the limbs and their girdles.