How many bones are included in the appendicular skeleton?

The appendicular skeleton consists of 126 bones in total. This part of the skeletal system includes the bones of the limbs (arms and legs) as well as the bones that connect the limbs to the axial skeleton, which comprises the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage. Specifically, the appendicular skeleton is made up of the pectoral girdle (shoulder girdle), which includes the clavicles and scapulae, the upper limbs (humerus, radius, ulna, carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges), the pelvic girdle (hip bones), and the lower limbs (femur, tibia, fibula, patella, tarsals, metatarsals, and phalanges).

Counting these components leads to a total of 126 bones, which provides an important framework for movement and support in the body. Understanding the composition and function of the appendicular skeleton is essential for grasping the overall structure and biomechanics of human movement.