In anatomy, a girdle is a bony structure that connects the limbs to the axial skeleton, which includes the skull, spine, and rib cage. The axial skeleton provides the body's central support, and the girdles act as bridges to attach the limbs, allowing for movement and weight-bearing.
There are two main girdles in the human body:
- Pectoral girdle (shoulder girdle): This girdle connects the arms to the axial skeleton and consists of the clavicle (collarbone) and scapula (shoulder blade). The pectoral girdle provides a wide range of motion for the arms, allowing for flexibility and dexterity.
- Pelvic girdle (hip girdle): This girdle connects the legs to the axial skeleton and consists of two hip bones, which are joined at the front by the pubic symphysis and at the back by the sacrum. The pelvic girdle provides stability and support for the lower body, transferring weight from the spine to the legs.
The girdles are essential for human locomotion and provide the foundation for movement, allowing us to perform a variety of actions, from walking and running to lifting objects and performing complex tasks with our hands.
