AnatomyLesson 1 of 1 in the course The Appendicular Skeleton

Pectoral Girdle Anatomy: Clavicle, Scapula, and Shoulder Joints

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

The pectoral girdle connects each upper limb to the axial skeleton while allowing a wide range of shoulder and arm movement. This lesson introduces the girdle’s two bones and examines the structure, functions, joints, and clinical importance of the clavicle.

The appendicular skeleton includes the bones of the limbs and the bones that connect the limbs to the axial skeleton. Each upper limb is attached to the axial skeleton by a pectoral girdle, also called a shoulder girdle. Each pectoral girdle consists of a clavicle and a scapula.

All flashcards

What bones make up each pectoral girdle?
The clavicle and scapula connect the upper limb to the axial skeleton.
How does the clavicle support the shoulder?
It acts as a strut, holding the shoulder joint away from the trunk.
What is the glenoid cavity?
A shallow scapular depression that articulates with the humerus.
What is the coracoclavicular ligament’s role?
It anchors the coracoid process to the clavicle and indirectly supports the acromioclavicular joint.
What happens in a shoulder separation?
The scapula separates from the clavicle at the acromioclavicular region.

Quiz questions

  1. Why does the scapula not articulate directly with the ribs?Answer: Surrounding muscles hold it against the posterior thoracic region.
  2. Which structures separate in a shoulder separation?Answer: The scapula and clavicle at the acromioclavicular region.
  3. Which ligament provides strong indirect support to the acromioclavicular joint?Answer: The coracoclavicular ligament.
  4. Where do clavicle fractures often occur?Answer: Between the middle and lateral portions of the bone.
  5. What may happen to the shoulder after a complete clavicle fracture?Answer: The shoulder and lateral fragment can be pulled downward by the limb’s weight.

Based on Anatomy and Physiology 2e by J. Gordon Betts, Kelly A. Young, James A. Wise, Eddie Johnson, Brandon Poe, Dean H. Kruse, Oksana Korol, Jody E. Johnson, Mark Womble, Peter DeSaix (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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