Question

Which of the following bone forms a link between the axial and appendicular skeleton?

A. First rib

B. Clavicle

C. Scapula

D. Both (A) and (B)

Answer 1

The appendicular skeleton involves all the bones that structure the upper and inferior limbs, and the shoulder and pelvic girdles. The axial skeleton involves all the bones beside the body's long axis. The axial skeleton involves the bones that shape the skull, laryngeal skeleton, vertebral column, and thoracic chamber.

Complete answer:

The first rib is the most arched and generally the shortest of all the ribs; it is wide and flat, its surfaces looking upward and downward, and its limits inward and outward. The head is minute, rounded, and owns only a single articular facet, for articulation with the body of the first thoracic vertebra.

The clavicle, or collarbone, is an extended bone that serves as a strut stuck between the shoulder blade and the sternum. There is a pair of clavicles, one on the left and one on the right. The clavicle is the only elongated bone in the body that lies horizontally.

The scapula, also known as the shoulder blade, is triangular and situated on the upper back among the levels of the second and eighth ribs.

The first rib and clavicle form a linkage between the axial and appendicular skeleton.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B).

Note: Ribs are greatly vascular and trabecular with a slender outer layer of solid bone. Like the first rib, the 11th and 12th ribs are regarded as atypical ribs because of their anatomical features. Together with the shoulder blade, it constitutes the shoulder girdle. It is a touchable bone, and among people who have less fat in this area, the location of the bone can be seen, as it creates a hump in the skin.