Question

Which of the following bones form a link between the axial and appendicular skeleton?
(a) First rib
(b) Clavicle
(c) Scapula
(d) Both (a) and (b)

Answer 1

Hint: The axial skeleton is the part of the skeleton which falls along the main axis of the body. The other bones which are joined to this axial skeleton are known as the appendicular skeleton. The bone which joins the axial and appendicular skeleton is also known as the collarbone.

Complete Step by Step Answer:
The axial skeleton consists of 80 bones distributed into the skull, vertebral column, sternum, and ribs. The appendicular skeleton consists of limbs along with their girdles i.e. pelvic girdle and pectoral girdle. The bone that joins the axial skeleton with the appendicular skeleton is the clavicle. It joins the scapula which is part of the pectoral girdle with the sternum which is part of the axial skeleton. There are two clavicles which are present on either side of the sternum.

Additional information: The pectoral girdle comprises two halves. Each half of the pectoral girdle is made up of a clavicle (collar bone) and scapula (shoulder bone) . The pectoral girdle attaches the forelimbs with the axial skeleton. Humerus bone of the forelimbs joins with the pectoral girdle at the glenoid cavity. The sternum is a flat bone present on the ventral middle line of the thorax and provides space for the articulation of ribs ventrally. The sternum is part of the rib cage.

Note:
- The scapula is a dorsal, flat, triangular- shaped bone.
- The clavicle is a long bone with a slender structure and has two curvatures.
- The clavicle attaches to the acromion process of the scapula.