What do you call the bones that make up the extremities?

The bones that make up the extremities are referred to as the appendicular skeleton. This terminology is derived from the idea that these bones are associated with the limbs or "appendages" of the body, which include the arms and legs. The appendicular skeleton comprises the bones of the shoulder girdle, upper limbs, pelvic girdle, and lower limbs.

In contrast, the axial skeleton consists of the bones along the body's long axis, including the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage. The other terms, "cortical skeleton" and "peripheral skeleton," do not represent recognized classifications in skeletal anatomy. Cortical bone refers to the dense outer surface of bone, whereas peripheral skeleton is not a standard term in this context. Understanding these classifications is essential for grasping how bones are organized and function within the body.