- The clavicle is one of two bones in the shoulder girdle (the scapula is the other).
- The clavicle articulates with:
- the sternum medially/proximally, forming the sternoclavicular joint.
- the scapula laterally/distally, forming the acromioclavicular joint.
NOTES:
- The word clavicle means key because the clavicle is shaped like an old-fashioned key.
- The articulation between the clavicle and the sternum (sternoclavicular joint) is the only osseous articulation between the bones of the upper extremity and the axial body.
![An anterior view of the clavicle on the right side of the body.](https://learnmuscles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/01-Clavicle-anterior-6403-1024x334.jpg)
An anterior view of the clavicle on the right side of the body.
![A posterior view of the clavicle on the right side of the body.](https://learnmuscles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/01-Clavicle-posterior-6411-1024x256.jpg)
A posterior view of the clavicle on the right side of the body.
![A superior view of the clavicle on the right side of the body.](https://learnmuscles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/01-Clavicle-superior-6419-1024x389.jpg)
A superior view of the clavicle on the right side of the body.
![An inferior view of the clavicle on the right side of the body.](https://learnmuscles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/01-Clavicle-inferior-6416-1024x384.jpg)
An inferior view of the clavicle on the right side of the body.