What is the main function of the appendicular skeleton?

The main function of the appendicular skeleton is to allow body movement. This part of the skeleton includes the limbs and the pelvic and shoulder girdles, which facilitate a wide range of motions essential for locomotion and manipulation of the environment. The structure of the appendicular skeleton, with its joints and limbs, is specifically designed to enable various movements such as walking, running, lifting, and grasping. By contrast, other skeletal functions, such as protecting internal organs, supporting the spine, or producing blood cells, are primarily related to the axial skeleton or locations in the body more associated with those tasks. For instance, the axial skeleton is mainly involved in protecting the brain, heart, and lungs, while blood cell production takes place in bone marrow, which is more prevalent in certain bones throughout both the appendicular and axial skeletons.