Description
The pectoral girdle consists of three synovial joints which connect the upper limb to the torso.
The clavicle is attached to the appendicular skeleton at the sternoclavicular joint. Laterally, the clavicle also connects with the acromion of the scapula via the acromioclavicular joint. Both of these joints are supported by several strong ligaments.
The glenohumeral joint is a highly mobile synovial ball and socket joint that consists of the articulation of the glenoid fossa of the scapula and the proximal humeral head. Due to its high mobility, it is not as stable as other joints of the upper limb and dislocations are common.
Additional ligaments not directly associated with the joints of the pectoral girdle also aid in the stability of the region. These include the superior transverse scapular and coracoacromial ligament.
Related parts of the anatomy
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Pectoral Girdle
The pectoral girdle is composed of the scapula, coracoid bone and clavicle, and often an interclavicle.
