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Compare and Contrast the Components that Make Up the Axial and Appendicular

Skeleton

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Compare and Contrast the Components that Make Up the Axial and Appendicular

Skeleton

The axial and appendicular skeletons make up the two primary components of the

skeletal system. The human body's central axis is composed of a group of bones which includes

the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage called the axial skeleton (Mallo, 2021). Its main

function is to safeguard important organs by providing support. By protecting the brain,

supporting the body, housing the spinal cord, and safeguarding the lungs & heart respectively;

the skull, the vertebral column, and the rib cage play a vital role in human anatomy.

On the other hand, those bones that are present in both limbs and related girdles make up

what is known as the appendicular skeleton. The skeletal structure consists of bones from both

upper-lower extremities alongside shoulder-pelvic girdles. Movement and locomotion tasks are

performed by the appendicular skeleton. Upper limb bones such as the humerus together with the

radius plus ulna permit intricate movements plus dexterity whereas lower limb bones (Krahl et

al., 2022) such as the femur combined with the tibia also fibula offer support enable walking

coupled with running.

While both serve different purposes there is overlap in characteristics between the axial

and appendicular skeleton. The presence of bones in both components allows them to have

structural support as well as protect vital organs while facilitating movement (Kryzhanovskiy et

al., 2021). Also, the axial and appendicular skeletons are interconnected with each other, as the

axial skeleton is linked with the upper and lower limbs through Pectoral Girdle and Pelvic Girdle

respectively.

The skeletal system can be divided into two categories: axial (bones located along the

central axis) responsible for providing support & protection; while appendicular (bones present
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in limbs & related joints) facilitates movement. Despite their functional disparities in guarding

against external harm or supporting internal organs respectively, both axial and appendicular

skeletal structures remain integral to a healthy functioning physique.

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References

Krahl, A., Lipphaus, A., Sander, P. M., & Witzel, U. (2022). Determination of muscle

strength and function in plesiosaur limbs: Finite element structural analyses of

cryptoclidus eurymerus humerus and femur. PeerJ, 10.

https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.13342

Kryzhanovskiy, V. A., Nikityuk, D. B., & Klochkova, S. V. (2021). Human anatomy.

internal organs. Human Anatomy. https://doi.org/10.33029/9704-5775-7-ha-2-2021-1-

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Mallo, M. (2021). Of necks, trunks and tails: Axial skeletal diversity among vertebrates.

Diversity, 13(7), 289. https://doi.org/10.3390/d13070289