Clavicle – Anatomy Atlas – Orthoracle LuanMD

Table of Contents

Overview

Clavicle The clavicle consists of three main parts: the shaft, sternal end, and acromial end. The sternal end hosts the sternal articular surface (facet) that articulates with the sternum and forms the sternoclavicular joint. The acromial end features the acromial articular surface (facet), which forms the acromioclavicular joint together with the acromion of the scapula. When viewed from the superior perspective, the clavicle is generally smooth and lies just deep to the skin. In contrast, the inferior surface of the clavicle is rough due to its several important bony features. From lateral to medial we can find the following bony features: trapezoid line (attachment for the trapezoid ligament), the conoid tubercle (attachment for the conoid ligament), subclavian groove (attachment for the subclavius muscle), and impression for the costoclavicular ligament (attachment for the ligament that binds the clavicle to the first rib).

Keypoints

Key points about the clavicle
Parts	Sternal (medial) end, shaft, acromial (lateral) end
Bony landmarks	Trapezoid line, conoid tubercle, groove for subclavius muscle, impression for costoclavicular ligament
Joints	Sternoclavicular joint – between sternal end of clavicle and manubrium of sternum Acromioclavicular joint – between acromial end of clavicle and acromion of scapula
Function	Attachment of upper limb to trunk as part of ‘shoulder girdle’ Protection of underlying neurovascular structures supplying upper limb Force transmission from upper limb to axial skeleton