The bones of the shoulder function as a communication between the trunk and the arm. They include the clavicle and scapula (which form the pectoral or shoulder girdle), and the proximal end of the humerus.

Figure 1. Bones of the shoulder

Clavicle

The clavicle is a sigmoid-shaped bone that attaches the trunk to the upper limb, with its sternal end located medially and its acromial end laterally.

  • The sternal end (medial) is convex and robust and quadrangular in shape. It has a large facet that articulates with the manubrium of the sternum, and in a minor portion, with the first costal cartilage.
  • The acromial end (lateral) is concave and has a small oval facet that articulates with the medial surface of the acromion of the scapula.
  • The superior surface is smooth.
  • The inferior surface is rough.
    • The shaft presents with a groove for the subclavius muscle
    • Its lateral third possesses the conoid tubercle, and a lateral roughening, the trapezoid line
    • The medial third has an impression for the costoclavicular ligament.
  • Its proximity to the skin surface makes it easily palpable even in overweight individuals.

You must

Subscribe now to continue reading

Join hundreds of successful students who use Meddists to ace their exams.

Gain access to all of the material and topics, custom-made just for you.

Continue