Which of the following lists contains all the bones in the appendicular skeleton?

• A. Clavicle, Scapula, Humerus, Radius, Ulna, Carpal, Femur, Patella, Tibia, Fibula, Tarsal, Metatarsal, Phalanges
• B. Skull, Vertebrae, Ribs
• C. Clavicle, Skull, Humerus
• D. Femur, Pelvis, Tibia, Sacrum

Answer: (A)

The key idea here is distinguishing the bones that form the limbs and their attachment girdles from the bones of the skull, spine, and ribs. The appendicular skeleton includes the shoulder girdle (clavicle and scapula), the upper limb bones (humerus, radius, ulna, and the carpal bones), the pelvic girdle, and the lower limb bones (femur, patella, tibia, fibula, and the tarsal, metatarsal, and phalangeal bones). This full set covers all bones that support movement of the arms and legs.

The other lists mix in axial skeleton bones like the skull, vertebrae, ribs, or sacrum, or omit large groups of appendicular bones, so they don’t represent the complete appendicular skeleton.