The appendicular skeleton includes which of the following?

• A. Skull
• B. Ribs
• C. Arms and legs
• D. Vertebral column

Answer: (C)

The concept here is the division of the skeleton into axial and appendicular parts. The appendicular skeleton includes the bones of the limbs and the girdles that attach them to the axial skeleton (shoulder girdle and pelvic girdle). That’s why arms and legs are the best fit—they represent the limb bones and their supporting girdles. The skull, ribs, and vertebral column are part of the axial skeleton, which forms the central axis of the body. So, arms and legs correctly identify the appendicular skeleton.