Anatomy of the Shoulder Girdle: Bones, Joints, and Functions

the shoulder girdle is composed of…

The shoulder girdle, also known as the pectoral girdle, is composed of several bones and joints

The shoulder girdle, also known as the pectoral girdle, is composed of several bones and joints. It is an important structure that connects the upper limbs (arms) to the axial skeleton (trunk), providing stability and mobility to the shoulders. The main bones that make up the shoulder girdle are the clavicle (collarbone), scapula (shoulder blade), and humerus (upper arm bone).

1. Clavicle (Collarbone): The clavicle is a long, slender bone that is located horizontally and spans across the upper part of the chest. It acts as a strut and provides support to the shoulder. The clavicle articulates with the sternum (breastbone) medially and the scapula laterally.

2. Scapula (Shoulder Blade): The scapula is a large, triangular bone situated on the back of the ribcage, between the second and seventh ribs. It houses the glenoid cavity, which is a shallow socket where the humerus articulates to form the shoulder joint. The scapula has various processes, such as the acromion process (which articulates with the clavicle to form the acromioclavicular joint) and the coracoid process (which serves as a point of attachment for muscles and ligaments).

3. Humerus (Upper Arm Bone): The humerus is the long bone of the upper arm that extends from the shoulder joint to the elbow. It connects the scapula to the bones of the forearm. The head of the humerus fits into the glenoid cavity of the scapula to form the glenohumeral joint, which is the main joint of the shoulder. The humerus also has various bony features, including the greater and lesser tubercles, which serve as attachment points for muscles and tendons.

In addition to these bones, the shoulder girdle is also supported by various joints, ligaments, and muscles. The articulations between the clavicle, scapula, and humerus allow for a wide range of movements in the shoulders, including flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation.

It is important to note that the shoulder joint itself is not part of the shoulder girdle, but it is closely associated with it. The shoulder joint is formed by the articulation between the head of the humerus and the glenoid cavity of the scapula.

Overall, the shoulder girdle is a complex structure that provides stability and mobility to the shoulders, allowing for a wide range of movements in the upper limbs.

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