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Which bones form the shoulder girdle?

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The shoulder girdle, also known as the pectoral girdle, is the bony structure that connects the arm to the axial skeleton. In humans, it is composed of two primary bones on each side of the body:12

  • Clavicle: Commonly known as the collarbone, this S-shaped bone braces the shoulder and distributes weight from the arm to the axial skeleton.1
  • Scapula: Often called the shoulder blade, this flat, triangular bone provides a site for muscle attachment and features the glenoid cavity, which articulates with the humerus to form the shoulder joint.1

These bones work together to provide structural support for the shoulder and facilitate a wide range of motion for the upper extremities.1