Clavicle vs scapula: how they differ, in 3D
The clavicle is the S-shaped bone lying across the top of the chest to the shoulder, and the scapula is the flat triangular bone on the upper back, behind the ribs. The two meet at the acromioclavicular joint at the top of the shoulder and together form the shoulder girdle, which links the arm to the trunk. It is the scapula that forms the shoulder joint with the humerus.
Frequently asked questions
Where do the clavicle and the scapula meet?
They meet at the top of the shoulder, where the outer end of the clavicle and the acromion of the scapula form the acromioclavicular joint.
How is the arm attached to the trunk?
The inner end of the clavicle forms a joint with the sternum, and this is the only joint between the shoulder girdle and the skeleton of the trunk. The scapula forms no joint with the trunk; muscles hold it against the ribs.
Which bones form the shoulder joint?
The scapula and the humerus form the shoulder joint: the head of the humerus fits into the shallow glenoid cavity of the scapula. The clavicle is not part of the shoulder joint itself.
The bones compared
Joints they form
Other comparisons
- Radius vs ulna
- Tibia vs fibula
- Cervical vs thoracic vs lumbar vertebrae
- Atlas vs axis (C1 and C2)
- Femur vs humerus
- Maxilla vs mandible
- Scaphoid vs navicular bone
- Carpals vs tarsals
- Metacarpals vs metatarsals
- True vs false vs floating ribs
Skeleton
Read more
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Once the 3D model loads you can turn it and select each part.