Organization of the Skeleton

The bones of the body are categorized into two groups: the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton. The bones of the axial skeleton revolve around the vertical axis of the skeleton, while the bones of the appendicular skeleton make up the limbs that have been appended to the axial skeleton. A list of the bones in the axial and appendicular skeletons is given in Tables 1 and 2, respectively. Major bones of both skeletons are shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1.Major bones of the axial and appendicular skeletons.

Anatomy and Physiology

Organization of the Skeleton