Question

Structurally, the skeleton is split into the axial and appendicular skeleton. What composes each?

a) Axial: Skull and vertebral column; Appendicular: Limbs and girdles
b) Axial: Limbs and girdles; Appendicular: Skull and vertebral column
c) Axial: Ribs and sternum; Appendicular: Pelvis and sacrum
d) Axial: Pelvis and sacrum; Appendicular: Ribs and sternum

Answer 1

The axial skeleton includes the skull, vertebral column, and thoracic cage, while the appendicular skeleton is comprised of limbs, girdles, and the bones of the hands and feet.

Step-by-step explanation:

The human skeleton is divided into two major parts: the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton.

The axial skeleton forms the central axis of the body and includes the skull, vertebral column (which also contains the sacrum and coccyx), and the thoracic cage, made up of the ribs and sternum.

The appendicular skeleton includes all bones of the upper and lower limbs, plus the bones that attach each limb to the axial skeleton. This includes the pectoral and pelvic girdles, as well as the limb bones and the bones of the hands and feet.