Prab at 12:55, 17 September 2023

2023-09-17T12:55:54Z

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The clavicle, commonly referred to as the collarbone, is a slender, S-shaped bone located in the upper thoracic region and plays a crucial role in the skeletal and muscular anatomy of the shoulder.

[[File:Pectoral girdle front diagram.svg|Pectoral girdle front diagram|500px|thumb]]
==Anatomy and Structure==

[[File:Gerrish's Text-book of Anatomy (1902) - Fig. 156.png|Gerrish's Text-book of Anatomy (1902)|500px|thumb]]
The clavicle is a bilateral bone, meaning that there are two clavicles in the human body, one on each side. It connects the sternum (breastbone) medially to the acromion, a part of the scapula (shoulder blade), laterally. This bone has three primary parts:

[[File:Clavicle fracture.jpg|Clavicle fracture|thumb|500px]]
* '''Medial end or sternal end''': Articulates with the manubrium of the sternum at the sternoclavicular joint.
* '''Lateral end or acromial end''': Connects with the acromion of the scapula at the acromioclavicular joint.
* '''Shaft''': The elongated body of the clavicle, which has a gentle S-shape.
==Function==

The clavicle serves multiple vital functions in the human body:

* '''Support''': It provides anterior support for the shoulder, maintaining its lateral position.
* '''Protection''': It acts as a protective barrier for vital nerves and blood vessels that pass underneath it, including the brachial plexus and subclavian vessels.
* '''Muscular attachment''': Several muscles, including the deltoid and the trapezius, attach to the clavicle, facilitating various arm movements.
==Clinical Significance==

Due to its subcutaneous location (just beneath the skin), the clavicle is vulnerable to injuries. Some key clinical considerations include:
* '''Fractures''': Clavicle fractures are common, especially from falls onto an outstretched arm or direct impacts to the shoulder.
* '''Osteoarthritis''': Wear and tear can lead to arthritis in the acromioclavicular or sternoclavicular joints.
* '''Congenital anomalies''': Rarely, individuals might be born with clavicular anomalies like a missing or abnormally shaped clavicle.
* '''Thoracic outlet syndrome''': Compression of the neurovascular structures beneath the clavicle can lead to this syndrome, causing pain and weakness in the arm.
==Associated Structures==

* '''[[Scapula]]''': The shoulder blade with which the clavicle articulates laterally.
* '''[[Sternum]]''': The central chest bone connected to the medial end of the clavicle.
* '''[[Acromioclavicular joint]]''': The joint where the clavicle meets the shoulder blade.
==See Also==
* [[Bone fractures]]
* [[Shoulder anatomy]]
* [[Thoracic outlet syndrome]]
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{{Bones of upper extremity}}
[[Category:Clavicle| ]]
[[Category:Bones]]
[[Category:Upper limb anatomy]]
[[Category:Shoulder]]

Clavicle - Revision history

Prab at 12:55, 17 September 2023