The pelvic girdle is part of the _____?

• A. Appendicular skeleton
• B. Appendicular muscle system
• C. Axial muscle system
• D. Vertebral column

Answer: (A)

The pelvic girdle is part of the appendicular skeleton. The appendicular skeleton includes the bones of the limbs and the girdles that attach them to the axial skeleton—the pectoral girdle and the pelvic girdle. The pelvic girdle, formed by the hip bones, connects the lower limbs to the trunk and supports weight transfer during locomotion. In contrast, the axial skeleton comprises the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage, which are not involved in anchoring the legs. The other options refer to muscle systems or a different part of the skeleton, not the category that the pelvic girdle belongs to.