How many bones are in the appendicular skeleton?

The appendicular skeleton is composed of the bones that make up the limbs and the girdles that attach them to the axial skeleton. Specifically, it includes the bones of the shoulders (pectoral girdle), hips (pelvic girdle), and the bones of the arms and legs.

In adults, the appendicular skeleton contains a total of 126 bones. This includes 64 bones in the upper limbs (32 bones per arm including the scapula and clavicle) and 62 bones in the lower limbs (31 bones per leg including the pelvic girdle). This anatomical structure supports limb movement and allows for a wide range of physical activities, which is crucial for daily functioning and mobility.

The other options provided do not accurately reflect the standard count of bones in the appendicular skeleton. Understanding this framework is essential for anyone studying anatomy, as it supports recognizing how the skeletal system contributes to overall body function and movement.