Bones, Ligaments & Joints of the Pectoral Girdle

Comprehensive practice flashcards covering the osteology, ligaments, joints, and related clinical concepts of the pectoral girdle and humerus.

What function does the clavicle serve in connecting the upper limb to the axial skeleton?

It acts as a strut, transferring forces between the upper limb and the axial skeleton.

How is the curvature of the clavicle structured along its shaft?

The medial 2/3 curves anteriorly, and the lateral 1/3 curves posteriorly.

Which four specific anatomical features are found on the inferior surface of the clavicle?

Impression for costoclavicular ligament, groove for subclavius muscle, conoid tubercle, and trapezoid line.

Where is the weakest point of the clavicle located?

At the junction between the medial 2/3 and lateral 1/3.

At what vertebral level does the scapula sit on the posterior thorax?

At the level of the 2nd to 7th ribs.

Which anatomical landmarks are located on the lateral surface of the scapula?

Glenoid Fossa, Supraglenoid Tubercle, and Infraglenoid Tubercle.

Which nerve runs inside the radial groove on the posterior surface of the humerus shaft?

Radial nerve.

A fracture at the surgical neck of the humerus threatens which nerve and blood vessel?

Axillary nerve and posterior circumflex humeral artery.

How is the sternoclavicular joint classified?

Atypical saddle-shaped synovial joint.

What atypical feature is present inside the joint capsule of the sternoclavicular joint?

A fibrocartilaginous disc between the bones instead of hyaline cartilage.

Which two ligaments constitute the coracoclavicular ligament?

Conoid ligament and trapezoid ligament.

Which four muscles make up the rotator cuff (SITS)?

Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres minor, and Subscapularis.

What is the primary function of the coracoacromial ligament?

It prevents superior displacement of the humerus.

Why is anterior glenohumeral dislocation the most common type of shoulder dislocation?

Because the glenohumeral joint is least reinforced inferiorly.

What radiographic feature is characteristically seen in a posterior glenohumeral dislocation?

The "Light Bulb" sign.

What is a bursa and what is its primary physiological function?

A bubble of synovial membrane lined with inner synovium that produces synovial fluid to act as a soft cushion preventing bone from pressing against bone.

Which specific ligament of the acromioclavicular joint is circled in this image?

Acromioclavicular ligament.

Which two specific ligaments are highlighted in this image of the acromioclavicular joint?

Conoid ligament and Trapezoid ligament.

Which fluid-filled structure is indicated by the arrow in this diagram?

Subacromial bursa.