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Clavicle is a horizontal and thin S-shaped bone that is placed at the upper part of the rib cage. It is a 6 inches (15 cm) long bone that serves as a strut between the shoulder blade and the sternum (breastbone).
- Clavicle is popularly known as the ‘Collarbone’.
- There are two clavicles in the body one on the left and one on the right.
- It is the only long bone in the human body that lies horizontally.
- It helps to transfer weight from the upper limb to the axile of the skeleton.
Clavicle is one of the most commonly fractured bones and can easily be fractured due to any direct hit or effect on the shoulder.
Read More: NCERT Solutions For Class 11 Biology Locomotion and Movement
Key Terms: Clavicle, Bones, Collarbone, Ribcage, Shoulder Blade, Sternum, Shoulder Girdle, Scapula, Osteolysis
Clavicle Meaning
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Clavicle is an elongated, thin, and slightly curved bone that connects the arms to the body. It acts as a strut of the breastbone and the shoulder blade. It is also referred to as the ‘Collarbone’.
- There are two clavicles on either side of the anterior base of the neck.
- It forms the shoulder girdle along with the shoulder blade.
- Both the clavicles are located horizontally at the upper part of the ribcage (sternum) and the acromial end of the scapula.
- They are held at their respective place with the help of strong ligaments.
- The muscles of the neck and the shoulder girdles are attached with the help of the shaft.
![Clavicle]()
Clavicle
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| Relevant Concepts | ||
|---|---|---|
| Skeletal System | Humerus | Pelvic Girdle Bones |
| Pectoralis Muscle | Deltoid Muscle | Types of Joints |
Clavicle Anatomy
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Clavicle, or the collarbone, attaches the arms to the trunk of the body. Clavicles hold the scapula in position acting as a strut in order to make the arm flexible enough to swing freely. It is situated just above the rib. Clavicle is categorized into three sections:
- Medial End
- Lateral End
- Shaft
Medial End
- Clavicle has a rounded medial end.
- It is also known as the ‘Sternal End’.
- When the medial edge of the sternum underlines only the clavicular groove of the manubrium, the sternoclavicular joint is created.
- The articular surface extends to an inferior aspect by connecting with the first costal cartilage.
- The convex part of the medial end is one-third of the total area.
![Clavicle and Ribcage]()
Clavicle and Ribcage
Read More: Locomotion and Movement
Lateral End
- Clavicle has a flattened lateral end.
- It is flat from the top to the bottom.
- It is also referred to as Acromial End.
- The facet that works with the shoulder gives rise to the acromioclavicular joint.
- The front and the back border are concave outwards and convex respectively.
Shaft
- The lateral one-third of the shaft and the medial two-thirds of the shaft are divided.
- The lateral section is narrower than the medial section.
Development of Clavicle
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Collarbone is the first bone within the embryo to align with the process of ossification during the 5th and 6th week of pregnancy. It is also the last bone to finish the process of ossification at the age of 21-25 years.
- There are two types of ossification namely intramembranous and endochondral ossification.
- Intramembranous ossification forms the lateral end.
- Endochondral ossification forms the medial end.
- Collarbone consists of a soft bone shell with a cancellous bone mass.
- Cancellous bone is formed by the infusion of one median and one lateral end.
- A compact is developed as a result of the ossification of the neighboring tissues due to the layer of fascia surrounding the bone.
- This process gives rise to a compact bone known as a Periosteal Collar.
Read More: Locomotion and Movement Important Questions
Variations in Clavicle
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Clavicle has a more varied shape than many other long bones. A division of the supraclavicular nerve may puncture it rarely.
- Clavicles in females are smaller and less broad than male clavicles.
- The right clavicle is smaller and stronger than the left clavicle.
- Cleidocranial dysostosis is a situation that leads the collarbones to be partially or entirely missing.
- Levator claviculae muscle originates on the transverse processes of the upper cervical vertebrae.
- It inserts in the lateral half of the clavicle in 2–3% of individuals.
Read More: Locomotion and Movement MCQs
Functions of Clavicle
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The functions of the clavicle are as follows:
- It gives support to the structure which gives rise to the free limb and scapula.
- It allows the arm to move freely by holding the upper limb far from the thorax.
- It secures the cervicoaxillary canal and restores the upper limb’s neurovascular complex.
- The physical collisions from the upper limb are passed on to the axile skeleton.
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Clinical Significance of Clavicle
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The midclavicular line, a vertical line drawn from the mid-clavicle, is used to characterize the cardiac apex rhythm during some medical tests. It also helps to discover the gallbladder, which is situated between both the midclavicular line and the transpyloric plane. Further, it helps in assessing an expanded liver.
Some problems associated with the clavicle are
- Displacement of the Sternoclavicular Joint
- Osteolysis
- Weakening of the Clavicle
- Dislocation of the Acromioclavicular Joint
Read More: Osteoarthritis
Things to Remember
- Clavicle is a horizontal, elongated, and S-shaped bone that connects the sternum to the scapula.
- It is also known as the collarbone and is present in a pair of two.
- It is the only horizontally placed long bone in the body.
- Clavicle is categorized into three parts namely the medial end, the lateral end, and the shaft.
- It is the first bone within the embryo to initiate the process of ossification.
- Fractures are very common in the clavicle making it the most fractured bone in the human body.
Previous Years’ Questions
- The clavicle articulates with ...... of scapula… (DUET - 2011)
- Collar bone is known as… (MP PMT - 2012)
- Glenoid cavity articulates… (NEET 2015)
- Pectoral girdle consists of…
- Scapula is a large triangular flat bone situated in the… (KEAM - 2011)
- Three of the following pairs of the human skeletal parts are… (NEET - 2011)
- Which of the following statements regarding locomotion…
- Total number of bones in the hind limb of a man is… (JIPMER - 2003)
- Which of the following is made up of a single bone… (AIIMS 1994)
- Muscle is attached to the humerus by… (COMEDK UGET - 2006)
Sample Questions
Ques. In which organisms is the Clavicle present? (3 Marks)
Ans. Mammals such as bats and those with hunting forelimbs have clavicles in their body whereas mammals that are adapted for running and living in the sea, do not have clavicles.
- In birds, two clavicles have been fused to form the wishbone or furcula.
- In fishes, a clavicle is situated under the pectoral fin.
- In humans, two clavicles are present on either side of the anterior base of the neck.
Ques. What are the parts of Collarbone? (2 Marks)
Ans. Collarbone is a thin and horizontal bone in the skeletal system. It is one of the main bones that make up the shoulder of an organism. There are two collarbones on each side of the shoulder connecting to the shoulder blade. Ligaments connect the collarbone to the shoulder blades and sternum (breastbone).
Ques. Can babies get a collarbone fracture during birth? (3 Marks)
Ans. Yes, babies may get a collarbone fracture during childbirth in case the process of delivery of the child is too complex. It can happen when
- The baby is large.
- The birth canal is narrow.
- The shoulder of the baby gets stuck in the birth canal.
- The delivery of the child requires the use of forceps or other tools.
Ques. Is Clavicle visible? (1 Mark)
Ans. Yes, the clavicle is visible in individuals who have less fat in this area. It is a touchable bone and it creates a protrusion in the skin.
Ques. Why is the clavicle known as the "little key"? (1 Mark)
Ans. The name clavicle came from the Latin clavicle which is also known as the little key. Whenever the shoulder is seized, the clavicle rotates around its axis like a key. Thus, it is also referred to as a “little key”.
Ques. What is a Fractured Collarbone? (2 Marks)
Ans. Fractured Collarbone is also known as a clavicle fracture or broken collarbone. It is the fracture resulting from injury or trauma which occurs inside one of the two clavicles which connect the breastbone to the shoulder blades. The collarbones are visible and extend till under the top of the shoulder.
Ques. What is the treatment for a fractured collarbone? (3 Marks)
Ans. A broken collarbone usually recovers itself in 6-12 weeks though there are several ways to speed up the healing process:
- Use a splint or brace to enable the safe moving of the shoulder
- Use a sling for your shoulder for some days
- Short-time use of Anti-inflammatory pain killers can help with the pain and swelling.
- Adverse side effects may include risks of blood clotting and ulcers.
Ques. What is a Clavicle Brace? (2 Marks)
Ans. Clavicle Brace restricts the movement of the collarbone area after a bone fracture to ensure a quick healing process. It is a supportive brace for compressing, immobilizing, and stabilizing clavicle fractures.
Ques. What are the signs of Clavicle Fracture? (3 Marks)
Ans. The signs of a clavicle fracture are
- Sagging of the shoulder in an inferior and anterior direction.
- The fractured area will be swelled up, tender, and bruised.
- The shoulder and the arm will experience severe pain while moving.
Ques. What is Midclavicular Line? (2 Marks)
Ans. Midclavicular Line is a vertical line drawn from the mid-clavicle. It helps in distinguishing the cardiac apex rhythm. It is also used to discover the gallbladder which is located between the transpyloric plane and the midclavicular line. Thus, it also helps in the examination of an extended liver.
Ques. What are the common possible causes of collarbone pain? (2 Marks)
Ans. The common causes of clavicle pain are
- Fractures and Break
- Injury in Joints
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
- Cancer
- Osteomyelitis
- Improper Sleeping Position
- Cancer
Ques. How to treat Clavicle Pain? (2 Marks)
Ans. One should put ice on the injured area for about 20-30 minutes at a time. Painkillers such as Tylenol and ibuprofen can be consumed in case of extreme pain. One may refer or consult a doctor if the pain persists and the swelling does not heal.
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