Osteology of the clavicle

Human Anatomy Education2 minutes read

The clavicle, or collarbone, is a bone connecting the shoulder blade and breastbone, rotating during shoulder abduction with distinct features on each side. It serves as an attachment site for various muscles and ligaments, forming boundaries for the neck's posterior triangle and articulating with the acromion process at the acromioclavicular joint.

Insights

  • The clavicle, or collarbone, is a crucial bone connecting the shoulder blade and breastbone, rotating during shoulder abduction, with distinct features on its right and left sides.
  • Various muscles and ligaments attach to different parts of the clavicle, creating boundaries for the posterior neck triangle and forming essential connections with muscles like the sternocleidomastoid, pectoralis major, and deltoid.

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Recent questions

  • What is the clavicle?

    The clavicle, also known as the collarbone, is a long bone that connects the shoulder blade to the breastbone. It has distinct features on the right and left sides, with various muscle and ligament attachments.

  • How does the clavicle rotate?

    The clavicle rotates along its long axis when the shoulder is abducted. This movement allows for flexibility and range of motion in the shoulder joint.

  • What muscles attach to the clavicle?

    Several muscles attach to different parts of the clavicle, including the sternocleidomastoid, pectoralis major, and deltoid muscles. These muscle attachments help form boundaries in the neck region.

  • What ligaments are associated with the clavicle?

    The clavicle has specific areas for ligament attachments, such as the costoclavicular ligament, subclavius muscle, and conoid and trapezoid ligaments. These ligaments provide stability and support to the shoulder joint.

  • How does the clavicle articulate with other bones?

    The acromial end of the clavicle articulates with the acromion process of the scapula at the acromioclavicular joint. This connection allows for smooth movement and function of the shoulder complex.

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Summary

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Clavicle: Shoulder Connection and Muscle Attachments

  • The clavicle, also known as the collarbone, is a long bone with medial and lateral ends, serving as a connection between the shoulder blade and the breastbone.
  • It rotates along its long axis when the shoulder is abducted, with distinct features on the right and left clavicles, including smooth superior surfaces and rough inferior surfaces.
  • Various muscles attach to different parts of the clavicle, such as the sternocleidomastoid, pectoralis major, and deltoid muscles, forming boundaries for the posterior triangle of the neck.
  • The clavicle has specific areas for ligament attachments, such as the costoclavicular ligament, subclavius muscle, and conoid and trapezoid ligaments, with the acromial end articulating with the acromion process of the scapula at the acromioclavicular joint.
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