Pectoral girdle

Definition

The pectoral girdle, also known as the shoulder girdle, is a set of bones that connects the upper limb to the axial skeleton. It consists primarily of the clavicles (collarbones) and scapulae (shoulder blades).

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The pectoral girdle provides attachment points for many muscles that move the shoulder and arm.
2. It allows for a wide range of motion in multiple directions, making it highly flexible.
3. The clavicle acts as a strut to hold the scapula in place, allowing for arm movement away from the body.
4. Scapulae are large, flat bones located on either side of the upper back and form part of the shoulder joint.
5. The pectoral girdle's connection to the axial skeleton is only through the clavicles' articulation with the sternum.

Review Questions

• What bones constitute the pectoral girdle?
• How does the pectoral girdle contribute to arm movement?
• Describe how the clavicle functions within the pectoral girdle.

Related terms

clavicle: A long bone that serves as a strut between the shoulder blade and sternum.

scapula: A flat triangular bone located in the upper back that forms part of the shoulder joint.

axial skeleton:

The part of the skeleton that consists of bones along the central axis of an organism, including skull, vertebral column, and rib cage.