Clavicle: Structure and Function
The clavicle, also known as the collarbone, is a S-
shaped bone that connects the sternum to the
scapula. It has two ends:
• The medial end, which articulates with the
manubrium of the sternum.
• The lateral end, which articulates with the
acromion process of the scapula.
The clavicle serves the following functions:
• It provides support for the arm, allowing the arm to
be raised and lowered.
• It protects the nerves and blood vessels that pass
from the neck to the arm.
• It acts as a strut, keeping the shoulder girdle away
from the thorax and thus allowing for a greater
range of motion.
Anatomy of Scapula: Key Features
The scapula, also known as the shoulder blade, is a
at, triangular bone that sits on the posterior thoracic
wall. It has the following key features:
• The spine of the scapula, which is a ridge that
runs along the medial border of the scapula.
• The acromion process, which is a bony projection
on the lateral end of the spine.
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, • The coracoid process, which is a hook-like bony
projection on the anterior surface of the scapula.
• The glenoid cavity, which is a shallow, pear-
shaped socket on the lateral aspect of the
scapula.
Humerus: Key Landmarks and Features
The humerus is the long bone of the upper arm. It has
the following key landmarks and features:
• The head of the humerus, which articulates with
the glenoid cavity of the scapula to form the
shoulder joint.
• The greater and lesser tubercles, which are bony
prominences on the proximal end of the humerus.
• The intertubercular sulcus, also known as the
bicipital groove, which is a shallow trough on the
anterior aspect of the humerus.
• The surgical neck, which is the constriction on the
proximal end of the humerus.
• The anatomical neck, which is a smooth, circular
constriction that separates the humeral head from
the shaft.
• The deltoid tuberosity, which is a bony
prominence on the lateral aspect of the humerus.
Ossi cation Centers: Understanding Bone Development
Ossi cation centers are areas of bone formation. In
long bones, such as the humerus, ossi cation centers
appear during development in a predictable pattern. In
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The clavicle, also known as the collarbone, is a S-
shaped bone that connects the sternum to the
scapula. It has two ends:
• The medial end, which articulates with the
manubrium of the sternum.
• The lateral end, which articulates with the
acromion process of the scapula.
The clavicle serves the following functions:
• It provides support for the arm, allowing the arm to
be raised and lowered.
• It protects the nerves and blood vessels that pass
from the neck to the arm.
• It acts as a strut, keeping the shoulder girdle away
from the thorax and thus allowing for a greater
range of motion.
Anatomy of Scapula: Key Features
The scapula, also known as the shoulder blade, is a
at, triangular bone that sits on the posterior thoracic
wall. It has the following key features:
• The spine of the scapula, which is a ridge that
runs along the medial border of the scapula.
• The acromion process, which is a bony projection
on the lateral end of the spine.
fl
, • The coracoid process, which is a hook-like bony
projection on the anterior surface of the scapula.
• The glenoid cavity, which is a shallow, pear-
shaped socket on the lateral aspect of the
scapula.
Humerus: Key Landmarks and Features
The humerus is the long bone of the upper arm. It has
the following key landmarks and features:
• The head of the humerus, which articulates with
the glenoid cavity of the scapula to form the
shoulder joint.
• The greater and lesser tubercles, which are bony
prominences on the proximal end of the humerus.
• The intertubercular sulcus, also known as the
bicipital groove, which is a shallow trough on the
anterior aspect of the humerus.
• The surgical neck, which is the constriction on the
proximal end of the humerus.
• The anatomical neck, which is a smooth, circular
constriction that separates the humeral head from
the shaft.
• The deltoid tuberosity, which is a bony
prominence on the lateral aspect of the humerus.
Ossi cation Centers: Understanding Bone Development
Ossi cation centers are areas of bone formation. In
long bones, such as the humerus, ossi cation centers
appear during development in a predictable pattern. In
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