Which bones are part of the appendicular skeleton?

• A. The bones of the skull and vertebral column
• B. The bones of the ribs and sternum
• C. The bones of the limbs, including the pectoral and pelvic girdles
• D. The bones of the hands and feet

Answer: (C)

Think of the skeleton in two big groups: axial and appendicular. The appendicular skeleton includes the bones of the limbs plus the girdles that attach those limbs to the trunk—the pectoral girdle (clavicle and scapula) and the pelvic girdle (hip bones). That combination defines the appendicular portion.

So the best description is the bones of the limbs along with the pectoral and pelvic girdles, because it covers both the movable segments and their attaching supports. The other options point to the axial skeleton (skull, vertebral column, ribs, sternum) or only to distal limb parts (hands and feet) without the girdles that complete the appendicular set.