Clavicle

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to clavicle anatomy from the notes.

Clavicle Definition

The collar bone that connects the upper limb to the trunk, length allows limb to pivot around trunk

Has a sternal end, acromial end, and shaft

Clavicle Features

suspends scapula and free limb, allowing free range of motion around scapulothoracic joint

forms a boundary of the cervico-axillary canal to protect neurovasculature

transmits shocks and impacts from limb to axial skeleton

Acromial End of Clavicle

Flat, where clavicle articulates with scapula acromion (acromioclavicular joint)

Sternal End of Clavicle

enlarged and triangular at manubrium of sternum (sternoclavicular joint)

Shaft of the Clavicle

double curve in a horizontal plane; the medial two-thirds are convex anteriorly

Sternoclavicular (SC) joint

The joint where the clavicle’s sternal end articulates with the manubrium of the sternum.

Acromioclavicular (AC) joint

The joint where the clavicle’s acromial end articulates with the acromion of the scapula.

Manubrium

The upper part of the sternum that forms the articulation with the clavicle at the SC joint.

Scapula

The shoulder blade; articulates with the clavicle at the AC joint via the acromion and supports the upper limb.

Scapulothoracic joint

The functional joint where the scapula moves on the thoracic wall, increasing the limb’s range of motion.

Clavicle Surface

superior is smooth

inferior is rough because of binding ligaments

Conoid Ligament

The medial part of the coracoclavicular ligament; suspends the upper limb from the clavicle.

Subclavius Muscle

Attaches to the medial third of the clavicle at the subclavian groove.

Subclavian Groove

Groove on the medial third of the clavicle for the attachment of the subclavius

Costoclavicular Ligament

Ligament binding the first rib to the clavicle; helps limit shoulder elevation.

Impression for the Costoclavicular Ligament

Rough, often depressed oval area on the inferior surface of the clavicle where the costoclavicular ligament attaches.