The forearm, pelvis, and scapula are classified under which skeletal group?

• A. Axial skeleton
• B. Appendicular skeleton
• C. Skull bones
• D. Long bones

Answer: (B)

The forearm, pelvis, and scapula are classified under the appendicular skeleton, which includes all bones that are part of the limbs and the structures that attach them to the axial skeleton. The appendicular skeleton is comprised of the girdles that support the upper and lower limbs, as well as the bones of the arms and legs themselves.

The forearm consists of the radius and ulna, while the pelvis consists of the hip bones, and the scapula is the shoulder blade. These bones play critical roles in facilitating movement, supporting the body, and linking the limbs to the central part of the body.

In contrast, the axial skeleton is comprised of bones that form the central axis of the body, including the skull, vertebral column, and thoracic cage. Skull bones exclusively refer to the bones of the head, while long bones are a specific category that typically includes the major bones of the limbs, such as the femur, tibia, and humerus, but does not encompass all the bones listed in the question as they also include flat bones like the scapula and irregular bones like some elements of the pelvis. Therefore, classifying the forearm, pelvis, and scapula as part of the appendicular skeleton accurately reflects their