Appendicular Skeleton

Topic Content:

The appendicular skeleton consists of the pectoral girdle, pelvic girdle, forelimbs and hind limbs.

Pectoral Girdle:

The pectoral girdle is made up of two halves which are held firmly by muscles. Each half of the pectoral girdle is made up of three bones;

1. The scapula or shoulder blade. 
2. The coracoids process.
3. The clavicle or collar bone. 

In mammals, the scapula and coracoid are fused and are called scapula–coracoid. 

The scapula is a flat triangular bone. At the outer edge of the scapula is a depression called the glenoid cavity into which the head of the humerus fits.

Above the glenoid cavity is a small hook-shaped bone which represents the reduced coracoid bone, which provides attachment for muscles