AnatomyUpper limbShoulder and arm

Clavicle: want to learn more about it?

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Clavicle

Learning objectives:

This study unit will help you to:

1. Learn about the location and function of the clavicle.
2. Identify the bony features of the clavicle.
3. Learn about the joints that the clavicle forms with the adjacent bones.

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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

The clavicle consists of three main parts, including the shaft, the sternal end, and the acromial end. The sternal end hosts the sternal articular surface (facet) that articulates with the sternum and forms the sternoclavicular joint. The acromial end features the acromial articular surface (facet), which forms the acromioclavicular joint together with the acromion of the scapula. When viewed from the superior perspective, the clavicle is generally smooth and lies just deep to the skin. In contrast, the inferior surface of the clavicle is rough due to its several important bony features. From lateral to medial we can find the following bony features: trapezoid line (attachment for the trapezoid ligament), the conoid tubercle (attachment for the conoid ligament), subclavian groove (attachment for the subclavius muscle), and impression for the costoclavicular ligament (attachment for the ligament that binds the clavicle to the first rib).

Examine the parts of the clavicle one by one in this atlas gallery:

Summary

Key points about the clavicle
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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Continue your learning

Now that you're familiar with the structure of the clavicle, you can continue learning about the humerus and scapula and shoulder joint.