What is the medical term for the skeleton containing the upper and lower extremities?

The term that describes the skeleton containing the upper and lower extremities is the appendicular skeleton. This includes all the bones that form the limbs and the girdles that attach them to the axial skeleton. The appendicular skeleton is essential for mobility and manipulation of the environment, providing the framework for the arms and legs, including the shoulder girdle and pelvic girdle.

In contrast, the axial skeleton refers specifically to the bones that form the central axis of the body, including the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage, which primarily serve to protect the central nervous system and support the body's structural integrity. The other options do not accurately describe the skeleton associated with the limbs: the articular skeleton is not a standard anatomical term related to skeletal classifications, while the term postural skeleton does not specifically refer to the grouping of bones associated with extremities. Thus, the definition and significance of the appendicular skeleton clarify why it is the correct answer.