Where the clavicle sits in the skeleton
The clavicle is an S-shaped bone lying across the top of the chest to the shoulder. It joins the sternum at its inner end and the scapula at its outer end, linking the arm to the trunk. Its inner end meets the manubrium of the sternum and the first costal cartilage at the sternoclavicular joint, and its outer end meets the acromion of the scapula at the acromioclavicular joint. It is the first bone in the fetus to begin turning into bone.
Frequently asked questions
Which part of the skeleton is the clavicle in?
The clavicle is one of the bones of the shoulder and arm. The clavicle and scapula attach the arm to the trunk, and the humerus, radius and ulna form the arm.
Which bones make up the shoulder and arm?
Each shoulder and arm is made of five bones: the clavicle, scapula, humerus, radius and ulna. The bones of the hand continue beyond them.
Is there one clavicle or a pair?
The clavicle is paired: there is one on the left and one on the right, and this page covers both.
Which bone is the first to start forming?
The clavicle. In the fetus it is the first bone in the body to begin turning into bone.
Other bones of the shoulder and arm
Joints of the clavicle
Compare with similar bones
Bone counts
By region
Read more
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