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Clavícula

Os claviculae

Slender and S-shaped, the clavicle forms the anterior part of the shoulder girdle, extending horizontally from the sternum to the acromion of the scapula. It acts as a strut that holds the upper limb away from the trunk, allowing free movement, and transmits forces from the limb to the axial skeleton. Its medial two-thirds are convex anteriorly and the lateral third concave. Developmentally, it is the first bone to ossify, by intramembranous ossification, yet the last to complete ossification. The clavicle is the most commonly fractured bone, usually at the junction of the middle and lateral thirds, where the break may injure the subclavian vessels or the brachial plexus. Sternoclavicular dislocations are uncommon but potentially dangerous.

La clavícula se extiende horizontalmente desde el esternón hasta el acromion de la escápula. Es el primer hueso en osificarse (por osificación intramembranosa) y el último en completar la osificación. Los dos tercios mediales son convexos hacia adelante, mientras que el tercio lateral es cóncavo.

On this page
Tipo Bone
Sistema corporal Esquelético
Región corporal Hombro
Nombre latino Os claviculae
FMA ID 13321

Función

Un hueso delgado en forma de S que forma la parte anterior de la cintura escapular. Actúa como un puntal que mantiene el miembro superior separado del tronco, permitiendo el movimiento libre. Transmite las fuerzas del miembro superior al esqueleto axial.

Significado clínico

La clavícula es el hueso que se fractura con mayor frecuencia, típicamente en la unión de los tercios medio y lateral. Las fracturas de clavícula pueden lesionar los vasos subclavios o el plexo braquial. Las luxaciones de la articulación esternoclavicular son poco frecuentes pero potencialmente peligrosas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the function of the clavicle?

The clavicle (collarbone) serves as the only bony connection between the arm and the axial skeleton. It transmits forces from the upper limb to the trunk, provides attachment for muscles including the deltoid, trapezius, pectoralis major, and sternocleidomastoid, and protects underlying neurovascular structures including the brachial plexus and subclavian vessels.

Where is the clavicle located?

The clavicle is a long, S-shaped bone that runs horizontally across the top of the thorax, forming the anterior shoulder girdle. Medially it articulates with the manubrium of the sternum at the sternoclavicular joint, and laterally it articulates with the acromion of the scapula at the acromioclavicular joint. It lies just beneath the skin and is palpable throughout its length.

Is the clavicle commonly fractured?

Yes, the clavicle is one of the most frequently fractured bones in the body, accounting for approximately 5% of all fractures. The most common site of fracture is the middle third (approximately 80% of cases), typically from a fall on an outstretched arm or direct trauma to the shoulder. Most fractures heal conservatively with sling immobilization, though displaced fractures may require surgical fixation.

References

  1. Foundational Model of Anatomy — FMA:13321 Reference anatomy ontology (University of Washington)
  2. Wikipedia — Clavícula Encyclopedia article (verified cross-reference)

Aviso médico

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Educational Disclaimer

This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical decisions.

Data sources: Terminologia Anatomica, Foundational Model of Anatomy, Wikidata.