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3D OSTEOLOGY
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CLAVICLE ANATOMY

Author: Dr. Bogdan Leahu
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Clavicle anatomy 360-degree interactive viewer showing sternal end, body, acromial end, conoid tubercle, trapezoid line, and articular surfaces of the collarbone
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Clavicle - General Overview, Preview from the app. Download 3D OSTEOLOGY for full 3D control—multiple views, x-ray mode, and unlimited zoom.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONNECTIONS

Medial (Inner) End

  • Articulates with the manubrium of the breastbone
  • Forms the sternoclavicular joint with the articular disc

Lateral (Outer) End

  • Articulates with the acromion of the scapula (acromial end)

STERNAL END

Sternal end of clavicle 360-degree viewer showing triangular articular surface for sternoclavicular joint and costoclavicular ligament attachment site
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Sternal End of the Clavicle, Preview from the app. Download 3D OSTEOLOGY for full 3D control—multiple views, x-ray mode, and unlimited zoom.

Shape

  • Triangular and tilts slightly inward

Features

  • Smooth, joint-like surface for articulation with the sternoclavicular disc

Function

  • Ensures proper alignment with the disc

Rough Patch

  • Location: Inner side, more than 2 cm in length
  • Function: Attachment point for the costoclavicular ligament
  • Role: Stabilizes the clavicle

BODY OF THE CLAVICLE

Body of clavicle 360-degree viewer showing double curvature, cylindrical medial portion, flattened lateral portion, and groove for subclavius muscle
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Body of the Clavicle, Preview from the app. Download 3D OSTEOLOGY for full 3D control—multiple views, x-ray mode, and unlimited zoom.

Characteristics

  • Double curvature
  • Medial two-thirds: Cylindrical or prismoid shape
  • Outer third: Flattened

Groove for Subclavius Muscle

  • Location: Underside of the clavicle
  • Function: Provides attachment for the Subclavius muscle

ACROMIAL END

Acromial end of clavicle 360-degree viewer showing acromial facet, conoid tubercle, and trapezoid line for coracoclavicular ligament attachment
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Acromial End of the Clavicle, Preview from the app. Download 3D OSTEOLOGY for full 3D control—multiple views, x-ray mode, and unlimited zoom.

Features

  • Small, flattened surface
  • Slopes slightly downward

Function

  • Articulates with the acromion of the scapula

Acromial Facet

  • Flat surface for articulation with the acromion

Conoid Tubercle

  • Location: Near the junction of the medial two-thirds and lateral third
  • Relation: Above the coracoid process of the scapula
  • Function: Attachment point for the conoid ligament (shoulder stability)

Trapezoid Line

  • Features:
    • Oblique ridge running forward and lateralward from the conoid tubercle
  • Function:
    • Provides attachment for the trapezoid ligament (stabilizes shoulder by connecting clavicle to scapula)

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Henry G, Warren HL. Osteology. In: Anatomy of the Human Body. 20th ed. Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger; 1918. p. 129–97.

QUICK FACTS: CLAVICLE

Key questions answered about this anatomy topic

Q: What structure does the medial end of the clavicle articulate with?

Answer: Manubrium of the breastbone. The medial (inner) end of the clavicle articulates with the manubrium of the breastbone, forming the sternoclavicular joint with the articular disc.

Q: What is the shape of the sternal end of the clavicle?

Answer: Triangular. The sternal end of the clavicle is triangular in shape and tilts slightly inward. It has a smooth, joint-like surface for articulation with the sternoclavicular disc.

Q: What ligament attaches to the rough patch on the inner side of the sternal end?

Answer: Costoclavicular ligament. The rough patch on the inner side of the sternal end (more than 2 cm in length) serves as the attachment point for the costoclavicular ligament, which stabilizes the clavicle.

Q: What characteristic shape does the body of the clavicle have?

Answer: Double curvature. The body of the clavicle has a double curvature. The medial two-thirds has a cylindrical or prismoid shape, while the outer third is flattened.

Q: Where is the groove for the Subclavius muscle located?

Answer: Underside of the clavicle. The groove for the Subclavius muscle is located on the underside of the clavicle and provides attachment for the Subclavius muscle.

Want to test yourself? Try the interactive quiz above!

⋮⋮ Clavicle Quiz
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