Question

Which of these is a part of the appendicular skeleton?
A. Ribs
B. Cranium
C. Clavicle
D. Vertebrae

Answer 1

Hint: The internal framework of the body that supports the muscles and other organs of the body is known as the skeleton system. The skeleton is made up of bones. The human skeleton is made up of axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton. The axial skeleton is attached to the appendicular skeleton to form the complete skeleton system.

Complete step by step answer: The axial skeleton is formed by the vertebral column, the rib cage, skull and other associated bones. The other part of the skeleton is the appendicular skeleton. The appendicular skeleton supports the attachments or appendages of the axial skeleton. It includes the pectoral girdles, pelvic girdles, upper and lower limbs.
The pectoral girdles are also known as the shoulder girdle and it provides the point of attachments of the upper limbs with the axial skeleton. It consists of the clavicle and the scapula bones. The clavicle is also known as collar bone and is present in the anterior position. The scapula is present posteriorly and forms the shoulder blade.
Clavicles are S-shaped bones that help to position the arms on the body. It is a long bone and serves as a connection between the shoulder blade and the sternum or the breastbone. The clavicles are two in number which is present on the right and left side. It is the only bone that lies in a horizontal plane. It forms a support to the scapula and forelimbs and allows maximum movement of the arms.
The pelvic girdle attaches the lower limbs and is responsible for carrying the weight of the body and is used for locomotion. It is formed of the hip bones consisting of ilium, ischium and pubis. The upper limbs contain many smaller bones which are divided into three regions which are, arm, forearm and shoulders. The lower limb bones form the legs and the foot.
The ribs and the vertebrae are bones of the axial skeleton. The vertebrae form the vertebral column and ribs form the thoracic cage.
Therefore, the correct option is option C.

Note: The appendicular skeleton forms an important part of the skeleton along with the axial skeleton. It consists of the pectoral girdle, pelvic girdle, forelimbs and the lower limbs. The pectoral girdle consists of the clavicles and the scapula bone and pelvic girdle contains the lower limbs. The ribs and vertebrae are parts of the axial skeleton while cranium is the bone of the cranial cavity.