Clavicle
Learning objectives
After completing this study unit you will be able to:
- Name the location and function of the clavicle.
- Identify the bony features of the clavicle.
- List the joints that the clavicle forms with adjacent bones.
Watch video
The clavicle is an S-shaped long bone that connects the upper limb to the trunk. It rests horizontally between the sternum and the acromion of the scapula. Its position makes the clavicle the main connection between the axial skeleton and the pectoral girdle. This enables the clavicle to transfer the weight from the upper limbs to the axial skeleton.
The video tutorial below will provide you with an overview of the clavicle.
Take a quiz
Now that you have watched the video about the clavicle, solidify your knowledge by taking our quiz.
If you want to get a broader overview and choose the topics you’ll get quizzed on, try out our customizable quiz:
Browse atlas
:watermark(/images/watermark_5000_10percent.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/overview_image/576/w5dEHtf5vfB8LRnjAq2Og_the-clavicle_english.jpg){kind=logo}
Examine the parts of the clavicle one by one in this atlas gallery:
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/extremitas-acromialis/fDtqN8sGoRo6p3zl0ZOw_QTYDRzrVn5_Extremitas_acromialis_01.png "Acromial end of clavicle (Extremitas acromialis claviculae); Image: Yousun Koh"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/facies-articularis-acromialis-claviculae/mypWKf34G8pL1tOvTJCAg_acromial_articular_surface_of_clavicle_01.png "Acromial facet of clavicle (Facies articularis acromialis claviculae); Image: Samantha Zimmerman"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/corpus-claviculae/vOEG5Bgf0Bh3ikJcoYFKg_kwJZb67wwd_Corpus_claviculae_01.png "Body of clavicle (Corpus claviculae); Image: Yousun Koh"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/extremitas-sternalis/php0lrAQzeMNtZNywpjBA_NsRLCcgoLE_Extremitas_sternalis_01.png "Sternal end of clavicle (Extremitas sternalis claviculae); Image: Yousun Koh"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/facies-articularis-sternalis-claviculae/9iG2jdpA7tQudsyArhYRCg_sternal_articular_surface_of_clavicle_01.png "Sternal articular surface of clavicle (Facies articularis sternalis claviculae); Image: Samantha Zimmerman"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/linea-trapezoidea/BVvW6ynuuBGTPnwO3MJbCg_trapezoid_line_01.png "Trapezoid line of clavicle (Linea trapezoidea claviculae); Image: Samantha Zimmerman"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/tuberculum-conoideum/TGzIjr7RtxS5nbsGOqKnQg_Conoid_tubercle_01.png "Conoid tubercle of clavicle (Tuberculum conoideum claviculae); Image: Samantha Zimmerman"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/sulcus-musculi-subclavii/KNieVV3WNkQmei7FcPNaA_Subclavian_groove_01.png "Groove for subclavius muscle (Sulcus musculi subclavii); Image: Samantha Zimmerman"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/impressio-ligamenti-costoclavicularis/WrKAe81ccd3JncBWjBLvLA_impression_for_costoclavicular_ligament_01.png "Impression for costoclavicular ligament (Impressio ligamenti costoclavicularis); Image: Samantha Zimmerman"){kind=logo}
Summary
| Parts | Sternal (medial) end, shaft, acromial (lateral) end |
| Bony landmarks | Trapezoid line, conoid tubercle, groove for subclavius muscle, impression for costoclavicular ligament |
| Joints | Sternoclavicular joint - between sternal end of clavicle and manubrium of sternum Acromioclavicular joint - between acromial end of clavicle and acromion of scapula |
| Function | Attachment of upper limb to trunk as part of ‘shoulder girdle’ Protection of underlying neurovascular structures supplying upper limb Force transmission from upper limb to axial skeleton |
Well done!
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