Question

What is the difference between the axial and appendicular skeleton?

Answer 1

The axial skeleton comprises 80 bones forming the central axis of the body including the skull, vertebral column, and thoracic cage, whereas the appendicular skeleton includes 126 bones of the limbs and girdles attaching them to the axial skeleton.

Step-by-step explanation:

The difference between the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton involves their respective functions and the bones they include. The axial skeleton forms the central axis of the body and consists of 80 bones, including the skull, vertebral column, and thoracic cage (rib cage and sternum). It supports the head, neck, back, and chest and thus forms the vertical axis of the body. In contrast, the appendicular skeleton includes all bones of the upper and lower limbs, plus the bones that attach each limb to the axial skeleton, comprising a total of 126 bones. These involve the pectoral girdle (shoulder region), which anchors the upper limb to the thoracic cage, and the pelvic girdle, which attaches the lower limb to the vertebral column.

Answer 2

Answer and Explanation:

The axial skeleton comprises of the central, vertical axis of the body. It includes the:

1. Skull

2. Ossicles

3. Hyoid Bone

4. Vertebral column

(Refer to the attached image)

The axial skeleton provides support for your the head, neck, back, and chest. It also provides support and protection for your brain, spinal cord, and internal organs such as your heart and lungs.

The appendicular skeleton includes the bones in your limbs and appendages such as:

1. Shoulder girdles

2. Clavicles

3. Humerus

4. Radius

5. Ulna

6. Femur

7. Tibia

8. Fibula

Etc.

The bones in the appendicular skeleton attach to the ones in the axial skeleton. The appendicular skeleton enables us to move (walk, run, etc.), grasp objects in our hands and manipulate them for our day-to-day activities.