What is included in the appendicular skeleton?

The appendicular skeleton consists of the bones that make up the limbs and the pelvic and pectoral girdles, which are primarily responsible for facilitating movement. This includes the bones of the upper extremities, such as the arms and hands, as well as the bones of the lower extremities, including the legs and feet.

The concept of the appendicular skeleton focuses on the bones that allow for mobility and manipulation of the environment, distinguishing it from the axial skeleton, which comprises the central core of the body (the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage). The inclusion of both the upper and lower extremities in the correct answer underscores the core role these structures play in human movement and locomotion.