What are the two fundamental divisions of the body?

• A. Axial and Appendicular
• B. Proximal and Distal
• C. Superior and Inferior
• D. Medial and Lateral

Answer: (A)

Two major divisions of the body are the axial region and the appendicular region. The axial region includes the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage, forming the central axis that protects essential organs and supports the body’s main framework. The appendicular region encompasses the limbs and the girdles that attach them to the axial skeleton (shoulder/pectoral girdle and pelvic girdle), enabling movement and interaction with the environment.

The other terms describe location relative to a point of reference rather than broad divisions. Proximal and distal refer to closeness to an attachment point along a limb; superior and inferior describe vertical positioning; medial and lateral describe positions toward or away from the midline.