Anatomy of the Clavicle

Flashcards covering key anatomical features, attachments, ligaments, and joints related to the clavicle.

What is the clavicle and where does it extend?

A long S-shaped bone extending horizontally between the sternum medially and the scapula laterally, with a medial concavity posteriorly and a lateral concavity anteriorly.

What forms the shoulder girdle with the clavicle?

The two scapulae and the manubrium of the sternum, together with the two clavicles, form the shoulder girdle that connects the upper limb to the thoracic cage.

What are the three orientation criteria of the clavicle?

The distal end is flattened laterally; this end has a curvature concave toward the front (anterior); the smooth face faces upward.

How many faces, borders, and ends does the clavicle have?

Two faces (superior and inferior), two borders (anterior and posterior), and two ends (medial/sternal end and lateral/acromial end).

On the superior surface, where do the pectoralis major and deltoid insert?

Pectoralis major inserts on the medial two-thirds; deltoid inserts on the lateral one-third.

On the superior surface, which muscles insert on the posterior region?

The two heads of the sternocleidomastoid insert on the medial two-thirds; trapezius inserts on the lateral one-third.

What inserts in the middle of the inferior surface of the clavicle?

The subclavius muscle inserts in its groove (groove for subclavius).

Which ligaments insert on the trapezoid crest and the conoid tubercle?

The trapezoid ligament inserts on the trapezoid crest; the conoid ligament inserts on the conoid tubercle.

What inserts medially on the inferior surface of the clavicle?

The costoclavicular ligament inserts on the costal tuberosity; the sternohyoid muscle inserts medially.

Which ligaments stabilize the clavicle?

The trapezoid, conoid, and costoclavicular ligaments stabilize the clavicle.

On the anterior portion of the inferior surface, where do the deltoid and pectoralis major insert?

Deltoid inserts on the lateral one-third; pectoralis major inserts on the medial two-thirds.

What insertions occur on the anterior border of the clavicle?

Deltoid inserts on the lateral one-third; pectoralis major inserts on the medial two-thirds.

What insertions occur on the posterior border of the clavicle?

Trapezius inserts on the lateral one-third; sternohyoid inserts on the medial one-third.

What are the articular surfaces at the ends of the clavicle and with which joints do they articulate?

Medial end has an elliptical facet for the sternocostoclavicular joint (with the sternum and first costal cartilage); lateral end has a triangular facet oriented downward, forward, and laterally for the acromioclavicular joint with the acromion of the scapula.