What is the Difference Between Axial and Appendicular?

The human skeleton can be divided into two main groups: the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton.

The axial skeleton is made up of the bones found along the central axis of the body, including the skull, inner ear bones (ossicles), hyoid bone in the throat, vertebrae, ribs, sternum, sacrum, and coccyx. The axial skeleton provides protection for vital internal organs, such as the brain, spinal cord, heart, and lungs. It also helps with breathing and steadying parts of the appendicular skeleton.

The appendicular skeleton comprises the bones appended to the central axis, including the bones of the limbs, hands, and feet, as well as the bones of the pectoral (shoulder) girdles and the coxal (hip) bones of the pelvic girdle. The appendicular skeleton enables the human body to engage in movement.

In summary, the main differences between the axial and appendicular skeletons are:

• The axial skeleton is composed of the bones along the central axis of the body, providing protection for vital internal organs.
• The appendicular skeleton is made up of the bones attached to the axial skeleton, including the bones of the limbs and girdles, enabling movement.

Comparative Table: Axial vs Appendicular

The difference between the axial and appendicular skeleton can be summarized in the following table:

The axial skeleton includes the bones found along the central axis of the body, such as the skull, spinal column, and rib cage. On the other hand, the appendicular skeleton includes the bones of the limbs and the girdles that help attach the limbs to the axial skeleton, such as the pectoral girdle (shoulders, arms, and hands) and pelvic girdle (pelvis, legs, and feet). The axial skeleton provides protection to vital internal organs and supports the weight of the torso, while the appendicular skeleton enables movement and is involved in the attachment points for muscles.