Pectoral girdle

Question 1

What does the pectoral girdle consist of?

Answer 1

Consists of the clavicle anteriorly and the scapula posteriorely

Question 2

What does the clavicles meet at the medial and lateral ends?

Answer 2

The medial end of each clavicle joins the sternum

The distal end of the clavicles meet the scapulae laterally

Question 3

What 2 factors give the pectoral girdle a wide ROM?

Answer 3

1. As only the clavicle attaches to the axial skeleton, the scapula can move quite freely across the thorax, allowing the arm to move with it.
2. The socket of the shoulder is shallow and poorly reinforced, so does not restrict the movement of the humerus.

Question 4

What shape are the clavicles?

Answer 4

The clavicles (collarbones) are S-shaped bones. 
The medial two-thirds is convex anteriorely and the lateral third is concave anteriorley

Question 5

What happens when the clavicle is fractured?

Answer 5

The entire shoulder region collapses medially.

Question 6

Why are clavicles curved?

Answer 6

The curves in the clavicle ensure that it usually fractures anteriorely. If it were to collapse posteriorely, bone splinters would damage the subclavian artery

Question 7

What shape are the scapulae?

Answer 7

The scapulae (shoulder blades) are thin, triangular bones

Question 8

Where can the scapulae be found?

Answer 8

The scapulae lie on the dorsal surface of the rib cage, between ribs 2 and 7

Question 9

What are the 3 borders of the scapulae called?

Answer 9

Superior border - is the upper edge of the scapula that runs next to the clavicle
Medial border - parallels the vertebral column
Lateral border - the edge of the scapula bone located towards the lateral aspect of the body