Question

What division of the skeleton is the scapula a part of?

Answer 1

The scapula is part of the appendicular skeleton and an integral component of the pectoral girdle. It connects the upper limb to the body and serves as an attachment point for muscles that enable shoulder and arm movements.

Step-by-step explanation:

The scapula, commonly referred to as the shoulder blade, is part of the appendicular skeleton. The appendicular skeleton includes all the bones that form the upper and lower limbs, as well as those that attach the limbs to the axial skeleton. The scapula, in particular, is a critical component of the pectoral girdle, which is the skeletal structure that connects the upper limb to the trunk of the body.

The pectoral girdle is composed of two main bones on each side of the body: the scapula and the clavicle, or collarbone. While the clavicle connects medially to the sternum of the thoracic cage—part of the axial skeleton—the lateral end of the clavicle articulates with the scapula to form the shoulder joint. The scapula lies on the posterior aspect of the shoulder and plays an important role in shoulder and arm movements, providing attachment sites for several muscles.

Answer 2

pectoral or shoulder girdle

Step-by-step explanation:

This is because the scapula is the main skeletal element of the pectoral girdle allowing muscular fixation of the forelimb to the axial skeleton. The vertebrate limb skeleton has traditionally been considered to develop from the lateral plate mesoderm, whereas the musculature originates from the axial somites.