appendicular

Appendicular is an anatomical term describing structures associated with the limbs or their attachments to the main body axis. In human anatomy, it most often refers to the appendicular skeleton, which includes the bones of the limbs and the girdles that anchor them to the axial skeleton.

The upper limb comprises the arm, forearm, and hand, including the humerus, radius, ulna, carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges. The lower limb comprises the thigh, leg, and foot, including the femur, patella, tibia, fibula, tarsals, metatarsals, and phalanges. The pelvic girdle, formed by two hip bones, attaches the lower limbs to the axial skeleton, while the pectoral girdle consists of the two clavicles and two scapulae, which attach the upper limbs to the trunk.

In adults, the appendicular skeleton typically contains about 126 bones. It functions to enable locomotion and precise manipulation of the environment, supported by complex joints and muscles that allow a wide range of movements.

Etymology-wise, appendicular derives from Latin roots related to an appendage or something attached to a larger structure, reflecting its role as the limbs and their girdles that attach to the body's core. The term is used widely in anatomy, physiology, and clinical contexts to distinguish the limb-bearing components from the axial skeleton, which includes the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage.