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Which bones form the pectoral girdle?
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The pectoral girdle is the bony structure that connects the arm to the upper portion of the axial skeleton. It is composed of two primary bones on each side of the body:12
- Clavicle (collarbone): An S-shaped bone that extends horizontally, bracing the shoulder and distributing weight from the arm to the axial skeleton.1
- Scapula (shoulder blade): A flat, triangular bone that provides a site for the shoulder joint and facilitates a wide range of arm movements.12
Together, these bones form part of the appendicular skeleton and provide essential structural and functional support for the shoulder.1