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Clavicle Anatomy: Parts, Landmarks & Functions
Clavicle Anatomy: Parts, Landmarks & Functions
Includes labeled diagrams, downloadable notes, anatomy quizzes, and interactive learning tools
The clavicle, or collarbone, is a long, S-shaped bone that lies horizontally across the front of the shoulder, just above the first rib. Structurally has three main anatomical parts:
medial (sternal) end
lateral (acromial) end
shaft
The medial part is more rounded, while the lateral part is flatter.
The bone has a double curvature, being convex anteriorly near the sternum and concave anteriorly near the scapula. Various muscles attach along its surfaces, including the deltoid, trapezius, pectoralis major, and sternocleidomastoid.
Its medial (sternal) end articulates with the manubrium of the sternum, forming the sternoclavicular joint, which is the only direct bony connection between the upper limb and the axial skeleton.
Its lateral (acromial) end articulates with the acromion of the scapula, forming the acromioclavicular joint.
The clavicle acts as a strut that holds the scapula and shoulder joint laterally away from the body, allowing for greater mobility of the arm. It also transmits forces from the upper limb to the trunk and protects important underlying nerves and blood vessels.
The clavicle is the most commonly fractured bone in the body, often due to falls on an outstretched hand or direct blows to the shoulder. When fractured, the weight of the limb may cause the shoulder to drop, and muscle forces may pull the bone fragments out of alignment.
Need a recap? Take a look at the clavicle anatomy notes here.
Need a recap? Take a look at the clavicle anatomy notes here.
Ready to test what you've learned?
Play through the games below to test your understanding and sharpen your skills.
References
References
Gray, H. (1918). Anatomy of the human body (W. H. Lewis, Ed.; 20th ed.). Lea & Febiger.
J. Gordon Betts, Kelly A. Young, James A. Wise, Eddie Johnson, Brandon Poe, Dean H. Kruse, Oksana Korol, Jody E. Johnson, Mark Womble, Peter DeSaix. (2013, April 25). Anatomy and Physiology. OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology/pages/8-1-the-pectoral-girdle.
Based on OpenStax, Anatomy and Physiology (2013), licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology/pages/1-introduction.
Content paraphrased; adaptations were made.
Sobotta, J. (1914). Atlas and text-book of human anatomy (J. P. McMurrich, Ed.; W. H. Thomas, Trans.). W.B. Saunders Company.
Image Credis
Image Credis
Images used in this guide and games are from the following source:
Sobotta, J. (1914). Atlas and text-book of human anatomy (J. P. McMurrich, Ed.; W. H. Thomas, Trans.). W.B. Saunders Company.
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