A skeleton is an essential part of the human body. It provides the framework for muscles, organs, and skin. There are two types of the skeleton: axial and appendicular. The axial skeleton consists of the skull, vertebral column, and ribcage. The appendicular skeleton consists of the limbs and girdles. Each type of skeleton has its own set of functions. Let’s take a closer look at the difference between axis and appendicular skeletons.
What is Axis Skeleton?
Axis Skeleton is the central support structure of the human body. It consists of the skull, spine, ribs, and pelvis. Axis Skeleton provides a framework for the attachment of muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It also protects the brain, spinal cord, and other vital organs. Axis Skeleton plays an important role in human movement.
The joints between the bones allow for a wide range of motion, while the muscles and tendons provide the force needed to move the limbs. Axis Skeleton is also responsible for distributing weight evenly across the body and absorbing shocks from impacts. Without Axis Skeleton, human beings would be unable to walk, run, or even sit upright. Axis Skeleton is truly the foundation of the human body.
What is Appendicular Skeleton?
The appendicular skeleton is the part of the skeleton that includes all of the bones of the limbs and the bones that support them. This includes the bones of the arms and legs, as well as the shoulder girdle and pelvis.
- The appendicular skeleton also contains several smaller bones, such as those of the hands and feet. In total, there are 206 bones in the human appendicular skeleton.
- The majority of these bones (126) are in the limbs, with 60 in each arm and 66 in each leg. The remaining 80 bones are found in the shoulder girdle and pelvis. The appendicular skeleton accounts for approximately one-sixth of the total body weight in an adult.
- It should be noted that, while the appendicular skeleton is technically a separate entity from the axial skeleton, many of the bones of the limbs (such as the humerus and femur) actually connect to the axial skeleton at joints.
For this reason, some texts include these bones as part of both systems. However, they are most commonly considered to be part of the appendicular skeleton.
Difference between Axis and Appendicular Skeleton
- The axis skeleton consists of the bones of the head and neck, which form the central core of the body. In contrast, the appendicular skeleton includes the bones of the arms and legs, which attach to the axial skeleton at the shoulder and hip joints. Together, these two groups of bones provide support and protection for the vital organs, as well as a framework for movement.
- While the axial skeleton is relatively immobile, the appendicular skeleton allows for a wide range of motion. This is due to the fact that the appendages are attached to the body at jointed regions, which allows them to move freely.
- In addition, many of the muscles that control movement are attached to the appendicular skeleton. As a result, this group of bones plays a vital role in enabling us to walk, run, and perform other tasks.
Conclusion
The appendicular skeleton is the collection of bones in the limbs and includes the pectoral girdle (shoulders) and pelvic girdle. The axial skeleton consists of the skull, vertebral column, and ribcage. Although they have different names, these two skeletons work together to create movement. Next time you’re watching a movie with someone who has lost an arm or leg, be sure to remind them that their appendicular skeleton is still intact!
