Clavicle (Clavicula)
Anatomically, the clavicle (Clavicula) is an S-shaped curved long bone. Its central part is called the body of the clavicle (corpus claviculae). On the inferior surface of the body runs the subclavian groove (sulcus musculi subclavii).
The clavicle clearly distinguishes two ends:
- Medial, or sternal end (extremitas sternalis). It has a flattened shape and features the sternal articular surface (facies articularis sternalis), through which it articulates with the clavicular notch of the manubrium sterni. An impression for the costoclavicular ligament (impressio ligamenti costoclavicularis) can also be found at this end.
- Lateral, or acromial end (extremitas acromialis). This end is flat and bears the acromial articular surface (facies articularis acromialis) for articulation with the acromion of the scapula. Located here is the tuberosity for the coracoclavicular ligament (tuberositas ligamenti coracoclavicularis). It consists of two important elements: the conoid tubercle (tuberculum conoideum), which is the attachment site for the conoid ligament, and the trapezoid line (linea trapezoidea), the attachment site for the trapezoid ligament.
The bone surfaces differ significantly: the superior surface (facies superior) is completely smooth, whereas the inferior surface (facies inferior) is rough due to the attached ligamentous apparatus. The main function of the clavicle is to connect the upper limb to the trunk and provide bony support for muscles.
Scapula (Scapula): borders, angles, and surfaces
The scapula (Scapula) is a flat bone of characteristic triangular shape. In the human body, it lies in the frontal plane.
For precise anatomical description, the scapula has three borders:
- The medial border (margo medialis).
- Lateral border (margo lateralis).
- Superior border (margo superior).
Corresponding to the borders, the bone has three angles: the superior angle (angulus superior), the inferior angle (angulus inferior), and the lateral angle (angulus lateralis).
The surfaces of the scapula bear important anatomical formations. The anterior surface, also called the costal surface (facies costalis seu anterior), contains a vast subscapular fossa (fossa subscapularis). The posterior surface (facies posterior) has a more complex structure—it is divided by a prominent bony ridge, the spine of the scapula (spina scapulae). This spine divides the posterior surface into two isolated zones: the supraspinous fossa (fossa supraspinata), located above, and the infraspinous fossa (fossa infraspinata), lying below the spine.
Processes and articular formations of the scapula
The scapula possesses a number of processes and articular elements that are critical for the mobility of the entire shoulder girdle.
- Acromion (acromion) is a large process bearing an articular surface for articulation with the clavicle (facies articularis clavicularis).
- Coracoid process (processus coracoideus) projects forward and lies anterior to the glenoid cavity.
Between the coracoid process and the acromion lies the scapular notch (incisura scapulae). An interesting anatomical variation: sometimes this notch can be bridged by bone, forming the scapular foramen (foramen scapulae).
The main articular structure is the glenoid cavity (cavitas glenoidalis), which serves as the articulation site between the scapula and the humerus. Along its periphery, the cavity is surrounded by a somewhat narrowed zone — the neck of the scapula (collum scapulae). Superior to the glenoid cavity lies the supraglenoid tubercle (tuberculum supraglenoidale), and directly inferior to it is the infraglenoid tubercle (tuberculum infraglenoidale).
Briefly: answers to topical questions
Which ligaments and muscles attach to the clavicle and scapula?
The following ligaments and muscles attach to the bones of the shoulder girdle:
- Costoclavicular ligament (ligamentum costoclaviculare) leaves an impression on the sternal end of the clavicle.
- Coracoclavicular ligament (ligamentum coracoclaviculare) connects the coracoid process of the scapula to the distal end of the clavicle, including the conoid and trapezoid ligaments.
- Acromioclavicular ligament is located inside the acromioclavicular joint and surrounds it.
- Levator scapulae muscle (m. levator scapulae) attaches to the superior angle of the scapula.
- Omohyoid muscle (m. omohyoideus) originates from the superior border of the scapula and attaches via an intermediate tendon to the clavicle.
- Pectoralis minor muscle (m. pectoralis minor) attaches to the coracoid process of the scapula.
How to easily determine the side of the bone? For the clavicle: place the sternal end medially, the acromial end laterally, and the smooth superior surface facing upward. For the scapula: locate the posterior surface (with the spine and fossae), the superior border (key to the acromion and notch), and the lateral angle by the glenoid cavity.
Class and exam questions
What type of bone is the clavicle?
The clavicle is an S-shaped curved long bone.
What divides the posterior surface of the scapula?
The posterior surface of the scapula is divided by the spine of the scapula (spina scapulae) into two parts: the supraspinous and infraspinous fossae.
Where is the glenoid cavity of the scapula located and what is its purpose?
The glenoid cavity (cavitas glenoidalis) is located on the lateral angle of the scapula. It serves as the site of movable articulation with the humerus.
What else to study on this topic
- Detailed study of the coracoclavicular ligament tuberosity: conoid tubercle and trapezoid line
- Subclavian groove and costoclavicular ligament impression on the body of the clavicle
- Boundaries and contents of the supraspinous and infraspinous fossae of the scapula
- Anatomical variations of the scapular notch and formation of the scapular foramen
- Supraglenoid and infraglenoid tubercles: topography relative to the neck of the scapula
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