Appendicular System

Girdles

Girdles

Structures that connect limbs to the axial skeleton.

Pectoral Girdle

Composed of scapula and clavicle; connects upper limbs to the torso.

Pelvic Girdle

Formed by coxal bones and sacrum; supports lower limbs.

Scapula

Shoulder blade; provides attachment for muscles and articulates with the humerus.

Acromion Process

Part of the scapula; forms a protective cover and attaches to the clavicle.

Scapular Spine

Divides the posterior surface of the scapula into supra and infraspinous fossae.

Coracoid Process

A projection on the scapula; serves as an attachment point for muscles.

Glenoid Cavity

A shallow socket in the scapula that articulates with the head of the humerus.

Clavicle

Bone that articulates with the acromion and manubrium of the sternum; connects the arm to the body.

Humerus

The bone of the upper arm; articulates with the shoulder and elbow.

Tubercles

Projections on the humerus; include greater and lesser tubercles for muscle attachment.

Intertubercular Groove

A groove on the humerus that houses the tendon of the biceps brachii.

Capitulum

Rounded part of the humerus that articulates with the radius.

Trochlea

Spool-shaped part of the humerus that articulates with the ulna.

Epicondyles

Projections on the humerus for ligament attachment.

Radius

Forearm bone on the thumb side; involved in wrist movement.

Ulna

Forearm bone on the little finger side; forms the elbow joint.

Trochlear Notch

A notch on the ulna that fits over the trochlea of the humerus.

Olecranon Process

The bony prominence of the elbow, part of the ulna.

Carpal Bones

Eight bones in the wrist; arranged in two rows.

Carpal Tunnel

A passageway in the wrist; contains tendons and nerves.

Metacarpals

Five bones that form the palm of the hand.

Pelvic Girdle

Composed of coxal bones and sacrum; supports the lower limbs.

Acetabulum

A socket in the pelvic girdle that articulates with the head of the femur.

Femur

The thigh bone; the longest bone in the body.

Trochanters

Projections on the femur for muscle attachment; include greater and lesser.

Patella

The kneecap; a sesamoid bone that protects the knee joint.

Tibia

The larger bone of the lower leg; supports most of the body's weight.

Fibula

The smaller bone of the lower leg; stabilizes the ankle.

Tarsals

Seven bones in the foot; include the navicular, talus, and calcaneus.

Metatarsals

Five bones that form the middle part of the foot.

Phalanges

Bones of the toes; each toe has three phalanges except for the big toe, which has two.