AFAA Personal Trainer Certification Practice Exam

The appendicular skeleton is primarily composed of which of the following?

1. Rib cage and vertebral column

2. Skull and facial bones

3. Shoulder girdle, arm bones, pelvis, and leg bones

4. Jaw bones and auditory ossicles

The correct answer is: Shoulder girdle, arm bones, pelvis, and leg bones

The appendicular skeleton is indeed primarily composed of the shoulder girdle, arm bones, pelvis, and leg bones. This part of the skeleton is responsible for facilitating movement and supporting the weight of the body during various physical activities. It consists of two main girdles - the pectoral girdle (shoulder area) and the pelvic girdle (hip area) - along with the limbs attached to these girdles. The shoulder girdle includes the clavicles and scapulae, which connect the upper limbs to the torso, while the upper limb bones consist of the humerus, radius, and ulna. The pelvic girdle anchors the lower limbs and includes the hip bones, femur, tibia, and fibula. This structure allows for a wide range of movements, which are essential for both daily activities and athletic endeavors. In contrast, the rib cage and vertebral column, along with the skull and jaw bones, are part of the axial skeleton, which primarily supports and protects the central nervous system and internal organs. The jaw bones and auditory ossicles also belong to the axial skeleton, emphasizing that they do not contribute to the appendicular system. Thus, the understanding of these different sections of the skeleton is crucial for delving