7. Which of the following is a difference between the shoulder girdle and pelvic girdle? a. The pelvic girdle connects to the axial skeleton, whereas the shoulder girdle does not. b. The shoulder girdle connects to the axial skeleton, whereas the pelvic girdle does not. c. The pelvic girdle is rigid, whereas the shoulder girdle is light and capable of great mobility. d. The shoulder girdle is rigid, whereas the pelvic girdle is light and capable of great mobility.

The pelvic girdle is indeed a sturdy structure designed for stability and weight-bearing because it connects to the axial skeleton via the sacrum, forming a solid base. On the other hand, the shoulder girdle allows for an impressive range of motion, connecting to the axial skeleton only through a tenuous articulation at the sternum, hence providing it with the flexibility and lightness to perform various arm movements. In practical terms, this means that when you're throwing a ball or swinging a racket, your shoulder girdle is working hard to provide speed and agility, while your pelvic girdle ensures you're grounded and stable, attracting all those movements! Think of them as a dynamic duo, each uniquely suited for their roles in movement and support.