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By the end of this section, you will be able to:
  • Describe the bones that form the pectoral girdle
  • List the functions of the pectoral girdle

The appendicular skeleton    includes all of the limb bones, plus the bones that unite each limb with the axial skeleton ( [link] ). The bones that attach each upper limb to the axial skeleton form the pectoral girdle (shoulder girdle) . This consists of two bones, the scapula and clavicle ( [link] ). The clavicle    (collarbone) is an S-shaped bone located on the anterior side of the shoulder. It is attached to the sternum of the thoracic cage, which is part of the axial skeleton. The lateral end of the clavicle articulates (joins) with the scapula    just above the shoulder joint.

Axial and appendicular skeletons

This figure shows the human skeleton. The left panel shows the anterior view, and the right panel shows the posterior view.
The axial skeleton forms the central axis of the body and consists of the skull, vertebral column, and thoracic cage. The appendicular skeleton consists of the pectoral and pelvic girdles, the limb bones, and the bones of the hands and feet.

Pectoral girdle

This figure shows the rib change. The top left panel shows the anterior view, and the top right panel shows the posterior view. The bottom panel shows two bones.
The pectoral girdle consists of the clavicle and the scapula, which serve to attach the upper limb to the sternum of the axial skeleton.

The right and left pectoral girdles are not joined to each other, allowing each to operate independently. In addition, the clavicle of each pectoral girdle    is anchored to the axial skeleton by a single, highly mobile joint. This allows for the extensive mobility of the entire pectoral girdle, which in turn enhances movements of the shoulder and upper limb.

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Source:  OpenStax, Skeletal system. OpenStax CNX. Apr 17, 2015 Download for free at https://legacy.cnx.org/content/col11779/1.1
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