Anatomy
clavicle Audio
clav·i·cle [ klav-i-kuhl ]
Subclass of:
Bone structure of upper limb
Etymology:
Latin clavicula, diminutive of clavis = a key
So named from a resemblance in shape.
Definitions related to bone structure of clavicle:
  • (clavicle) The paired bone that is situated between the sternum and the shoulder.
    CDISC Terminology
    Clinical Data Interchange Standards Consortium (CDISC), 2021
  • (clavicle) A bone on the ventral side of the shoulder girdle, which in humans is commonly called the collar bone.
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
  • (clavicle) Long bone, each instance of which articulates with some scapula and sternum.
    Foundational Model of Anatomy
    University of Washington, 2017
  • (clavicle) One of a pair of bones at the base of the front of the neck. The clavicles connect the breastbone to the shoulder blades.
    NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • (clavicle) One of a pair of bones linking the scapula and the sternum. The clavicle is part of the pectoral girdle.
    NCI
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • Clavicle, curved anterior bone of the shoulder (pectoral) girdle in vertebrates; it functions as a strut to support the shoulder. The clavicle is present in mammals with prehensile forelimbs and in bats, and it is absent in sea mammals and those adapted for running. The wishbone, or furcula, of...
    Encyclopedia Britannica
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2025
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