Human Anatomy Part 1 - K. A. Dyubenko, A. K. Kolomiytsev, Yu. B. Chaykovsky 2002

Special Part
Appendicular skeleton, sceleton appendiculare - Bones of the upper limb, ossa membri superioris
Pectoral girdle, cingulum membri superioris - Clavicle

The clavicle (clavicula) is a paired, S-shaped tubular bone 12–15 cm in length, resembling an elongated italic letter "S" (Fig. 61). It consists of a body and two extremities: the sternal extremity (extremitas sternalis) and the acromial extremity (extremitas acromialis). The body of the clavicle is slightly flattened from top to bottom. Near the sternal extremity, there is an impression for the costoclavicular ligament (impressio lig. costoclavicularis), while the acromial extremity features the conoid tubercle (tuberculum conoideum) and trapezoid line (linea trapezoidea). The sternal extremity is shaped like a triangular prism and bears an articular surface for articulation with the Sternum; the acromial extremity articulates with the acromion of the scapula. Functionally, the clavicle acts as a strut between the trunk and the shoulder joint, stabilizing the joint and increasing its range of motion.

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Fig. 61. Clavicle (clavicula): A — superior view; B — inferior view

Ossification. The clavicle develops from two ossification centers. The first center appears in the body of the clavicle at 5–6 weeks of intrauterine development, and the second appears in the sternal extremity between 16 and 20 years of age. They fuse together between the ages of 20 and 25.



Last update: 08/08/2026

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