Appendicular skeleton
Skeleton appendiculare
Definition
The appendicular skeleton is the part of the skeleton corresponding to the bones of the thoracic limb (anterior) and the pelvic limb (posterior), as well as their respective girdles that attach them to the trunk. It is positioned on either side of the axial skeleton.
It allows animals to move, stand upright, manipulate or scratch (in some species), and support their weight.
It can be subdivided into two parts:
The girdle or zonal skeleton, which includes the thoracic girdle and the pelvic girdle.
The chiridian skeleton, which includes the bones of the thoracic limbs and the bones of the pelvic limbs.
References
Barone R. Anatomie comparée des mammifères domestiques, Tome 1, Ostéologie, 5th edition, Vigot, Paris, 2017.
König HE, Lieibich HG. Veterinary Anatomy of Domestic mammals, 6th edition, Schattauer, Stuttgart, 2014.
