What does the appendicular skeleton include?

The appendicular skeleton comprises the bones that make up the limbs and the girdles that attach them to the trunk. Specifically, it includes the bones of the upper limbs—such as the arms, wrists, and hands—and the bones of the lower limbs—such as the legs, ankles, and feet. Additionally, it encompasses the pelvic girdle, which supports the lower limbs, and the shoulder girdle, which connects the upper limbs to the axial skeleton. This definition differentiates the appendicular skeleton from the axial skeleton, which consists of the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage. Understanding this structure is fundamental in fields such as anatomy, physical therapy, and exercise science, particularly in practices like Pilates where awareness of body mechanics is crucial for effective movement and injury prevention.