APPENDICULAR SKELETON Meaning and
Definition
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The appendicular skeleton is the part of the skeletal system that is responsible for supporting and enabling movement in the limbs and pelvis. It is composed of the bones of the upper and lower limbs, as well as the girdles that connect these limbs to the axial skeleton. The upper limbs consist of the bones of the shoulder, arm, forearm, wrist, and hand, while the lower limbs include the bones of the hip, thigh, leg, ankle, and foot.
The appendicular skeleton provides the structural framework for the attachment of muscles, tendons, and ligaments, allowing for various types of movements, such as walking, running, grasping, and throwing. It plays a crucial role in locomotion and overall body mobility. Additionally, it protects vital organs, such as the heart and lungs, by providing a tough and rigid shield-like structure.
Notably, the appendicular skeleton is distinct from the axial skeleton, which comprises the skull, vertebral column, and ribcage. Unlike the axial skeleton, which primarily provides support and protection, the appendicular skeleton focuses on facilitating movement and flexibility.
In summary, the appendicular skeleton is the part of the skeletal system that includes the bones of the upper and lower limbs and their respective girdles. It serves as a framework for movement, provides protection for vital organs, and plays a critical role in locomotion.
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The skeleton of the limbs.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for APPENDICULAR SKELETON
- zppendicular skeleton
- sppendicular skeleton
- wppendicular skeleton
- qppendicular skeleton
- aopendicular skeleton
- alpendicular skeleton
- a-pendicular skeleton
- a0pendicular skeleton
- apoendicular skeleton
- aplendicular skeleton
- ap-endicular skeleton
- ap0endicular skeleton
- appwndicular skeleton
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- appdndicular skeleton
- apprndicular skeleton
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- app3ndicular skeleton
- appebdicular skeleton
Etymology of APPENDICULAR SKELETON
The word "appendicular" comes from the Latin word "appendicula" which means "small appendage" or "an auxiliary part". The term "appendicular" was coined by the French anatomist Justin Pierre Marie Bichat in the 18th century to describe the parts of the body that are attached to the axial skeleton.
The word "skeleton" is derived from the Greek word "skeletos" which means "dried up" or "dried body". It was originally used to describe the hard, supporting framework of an organism.
Therefore, the term "appendicular skeleton" refers to the bones that make up the limbs (arms and legs), their supporting girdles (shoulder and hip), and other associated structures that are attached to the main, central axial skeleton of the body.
Similar spelling word for APPENDICULAR SKELETON
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