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The appendicular skeleton comprises the bones that facilitate movement and interaction with the environment. Specifically, this includes the shoulder girdle (which consists of the clavicles and scapulae), the pelvic girdle (which is formed by the hip bones), and the bones of the upper and lower extremities, including the arms and legs. These structures are vital for mobility and offering a framework for attaching limbs to the central skeleton.

The other options refer to structures that are part of different skeletal categories. The vertebrae belong to the axial skeleton, which supports the head and body while encasing the spinal cord. The skull and hyoid are also part of the axial skeleton, providing protection for the brain and facilitating functions such as breathing and swallowing. Lastly, the ribs and sternum, which are components of the thoracic cage, also fall under the axial skeleton and are involved in protecting thoracic organs and aiding respiration. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why the shoulder girdle, pelvic girdle, and extremities are correctly categorized within the appendicular skeleton.