Divisions of the skeletal system
The human skeletal system can be divided into two main parts: the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton.
- Axial Skeleton: The axial skeleton includes the bones of the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage. It provides support and protection for the body’s vital organs, such as the brain, spinal cord, and heart.
- Appendicular Skeleton: The appendicular skeleton includes the bones of the arms, legs, pelvis, and shoulder girdle. It provides support and allows for movement of the body.
The axial skeleton consists of the following components:
- Skull: The skull is made up of the cranium, which protects the brain, and the facial bones, which provide support for the eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Vertebral column: The vertebral column is made up of individual bones called vertebrae, which protect the spinal cord and provide support for the body.
- Rib cage: The rib cage is made up of the ribs, which protect the organs of the chest, such as the heart and lungs.
The appendicular skeleton consists of the following components:
- Arms: The arms consist of the humerus bone in the upper arm, the radius and ulna bones in the forearm, and the bones of the hand, including the carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges.
- Legs: The legs consist of the femur bone in the upper leg, the tibia and fibula bones in the lower leg, and the bones of the foot, including the tarsals, metatarsals, and phalanges.
- Pelvis: The pelvis is made up of the ilium, ischium, and pubis bones, which protect the reproductive and digestive organs.
- Shoulder girdle: The shoulder girdle is made up of the clavicle and scapula bones, which provide support for the arms and allow for movement of the shoulder joint.
Understanding the divisions of the skeletal system is important for understanding the structure and function of the body, and for diagnosing and treating skeletal disorders and injuries.
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