Why are the bones of the lower limb larger than those of the upper limb?

Why are the bones of the lower limb larger than those of the upper limb?

The bones of the lower limbs are thicker and stronger than the bones of the upper limbs because of the need to support the entire weight of the body and the resulting forces from locomotion.

Are lower limb bones heavier?

In the lower leg, the tibia bears most of the body’s weight while the fibula supports the muscles of balance in the lower leg and ankle. The tibia forms the flexible ankle joint with the tarsal bones of the foot.

How do bones of upper and lower limbs differ?

There are 30 bones in each upper limb. The humerus is the single bone of the arm, and the ulna (medially) and the radius (laterally) are the paired bones of the forearm. The base of the hand contains eight carpal bones, and the palm of the hand is formed by five metacarpal bones.

What is the difference between upper limb and lower limb?

In the humans, the gross difference in the upper and lower limbs is that the flexor and extensor surfaces and their functional groups of muscles are in the opposite directions i.e. flexor surfaces or muscles in the upper limbs are placed anteriorly whilst in the lower limbs, it is the extensor surfaces or group of …

Why is the pelvic girdle stronger than the pectoral girdle?

The pectoral girdle is weaker than the pelvic girdle because the pelvic girdle is the primary weight-bearing and locomotion structure for the body…

What is the difference between upper and lower extremities?

* Upper limb rotates 90 degrees laterally so the thumb/pre-axial edge faces outward/laterally in anatomically position. This allows for increased flexion foward/anterior of the upper extremities. * Lower limb rotates 90 degrees medially so the toe/pre-axial edge faces medially/inward in anatomical position.

Why are there so many bones and joints in the foot and lower limb area compared to other areas of the body?

1. Why are there so many bones and joints in the foot and lower limb area compared to other areas of the body? The foot sustains a large amount of our body weight and has to deal with multiple and sometimes conflicting functions.

Why does the lower leg have two bones?

It comprises two bones: the tibia and the fibula. The role of these two bones is to provide stability and support to the rest of the body, and through articulations with the femur and foot/ankle and the muscles attached to these bones, provide mobility and the ability to ambulate in an upright position.

Is the function of the limbs similar or different?

The limb served the SAME function: as a forearm (not a wing) in the last common ancestor of tetrapods. They are similar to each other in function, performing as wings for flight, but have evolved differently.

Are the upper limbs smaller than the lower limbs?

Leg length was for 48.5% bigger than arm length and the difference in volume between upper and lower limb is significantly different. The foot has four to five times greater volume than the arm, and is vascularised by an arterial tree of similar diameter.

Why is the male pelvis thicker and heavier?

In general, the bones of the male pelvis are thicker and heavier, adapted for support of the male’s heavier physical build and stronger muscles. The greater sciatic notch of the male hip bone is narrower and deeper than the broader notch of females.

What is the difference between the pelvis and pelvic girdle?

The key difference between pelvis and pelvic girdle is that the pelvis is a lower part of the trunk that composes several bones such as a pair of bones, sacrum and coccyx while the pelvic girdle is one of the two parts of the bony pelvis that composes two appendicular hip bones oriented in a ring.

Why are lower limbs stronger than upper limbs?

The thigh, leg, and foot constitute the lower limb. The bones of the lower limbs are considerably larger and stronger than comparable bones of the upper limbs because the lower limbs must support the entire weight of the body while walking, running, or jumping.

What are the bones of the lower limb?

The thigh, leg, and foot constitute the lower limb. The bones of the lower limbs are considerably larger and stronger than comparable bones of the upper limbs b

Which is the second longest bone in the lower leg?

The tibia is the main weight-bearing bone of the lower leg and the second longest bone of the body, after the femur. The medial side of the tibia is located immediately under the skin, allowing it to be easily palpated down the entire length of the medial leg. Figure 6.52.

Which is the most superior bone in the foot?

The deep (medial) side of the lateral malleolus articulates with the talus bone of the foot as part of the ankle joint. The distal fibula also articulates with the fibular notch of the tibia. The posterior half of the foot is formed by seven tarsal bones (Figure 6.53). The most superior bone is the talus.