Anatomy
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is the Shoulder Girdle?

Maggie Worth
Maggie Worth

The shoulder girdle is a group of four bones that supports the muscles and ligaments of the shoulders. Also frequently called the "pectoral girdle," this bone group is comprised of two clavicles and two scapulae, one set for each shoulder. The shoulder girdle is important because it is the point at which the bones of the arms attach to the bones of the body, or trunk.

The space created by the junction of the clavicle and the scapula allows the ball of the humerus—upper arm bone—to rotate. The shoulder joint allows for more variety of movement than any other joint in the body. The particular arrangement of the bones of the shoulder girdle give the upper arm the space needed to move in so many different directions.

The shoulder girdle supports the area where the arms join the body.
The shoulder girdle supports the area where the arms join the body.

Although the word "girdle" usually implies a complete ring, the shoulder girdle is an incomplete ring because a gap separates the scapulae in the back, and the sternum separates the clavicles in the front. Some physicians include the humerus as part of the shoulder girdle because it attaches to the scapula and clavicle, forming the shoulder joint. Traditional anatomy texts, however, include only the scapulae and clavicles.

The clavicle, also called the collar bone, connects the shoulder to the sternum.
The clavicle, also called the collar bone, connects the shoulder to the sternum.

Within the shoulder girdle, the clavicle's main purpose is to hold the arm away from the body. This gives the tendons, ligaments and muscles more room to work and allows a person to move his arms more freely. Without the clavicles, the arms would simply hang alongside the body, limiting their movement. The clavicle is said to be the most frequently broken bone in the body. Often called the "collar bone," these bones may be visible at the base of the neck in some people.

The clavicle, which connects the shoulder to the upper torso, is a horizontal bone that's visible on most people.
The clavicle, which connects the shoulder to the upper torso, is a horizontal bone that's visible on most people.

The shoulder girdles' scapulae are large, flat bones that are often called the "shoulder blades." These bones serve as the insertion point for the muscles of the shoulder, including the pectoralis minor, the trapezius and the rhomboid minor and major. Roughly triangular in shape, the scapulae are located on the back of the ribcage, usually covering a portion of the second through the seventh ribs.

Pain and stiffness in the shoulder girdle may limit range of motion.
Pain and stiffness in the shoulder girdle may limit range of motion.

The glenoid fossa is a depression in the scapula in which the ball of the humerus actually rotates. This joint is called the glenohumeral joint. The shoulder girdle also contains the acromioclavicular joint, which has limited movement but transmits force from the arm to the torso and the sternoclavicular joint, which assists in movements such as throwing and thrusting the arm forward.

Discussion Comments

lovealot

A friend of mine was telling me that her five year old son was having trouble in school with writing, drawing and cutting with scissors.

She finally took him to a therapist, who observed him, and said that his hand and finger motions would improve if his shoulder muscles were stronger.

So she suggested some exercises that he could do to add strength to his shoulder.

She recommended some exercises like, crawling around the floor face down, crawling like a crab, and pushing against a wall like it was falling down.

After a few months, he was using his hands and fingers for writing and cutting, instead of his whole arm. He was more relaxed, not tensing up his shoulders and neck.

BabaB

My gosh, all those joints, ligaments, muscles and bone that make up our shoulder girdle - what would we do without them!

They make it possible for us to do so many tasks. How could kids do all the gyrating they do - playing on bars, climbing a pole and on and on. Adults use the shoulder complex to reach for things, pick up things, and drive a car.

I know quite a few people who have broken their collar bone or injured the rotator cuff. It takes quite a while to heal from these injuries and sometimes the injury doesn't heal well. That really makes some activities very difficult to do.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • The shoulder girdle supports the area where the arms join the body.
      By: Restyler
      The shoulder girdle supports the area where the arms join the body.
    • The clavicle, also called the collar bone, connects the shoulder to the sternum.
      By: joshya
      The clavicle, also called the collar bone, connects the shoulder to the sternum.
    • The clavicle, which connects the shoulder to the upper torso, is a horizontal bone that's visible on most people.
      By: Artem Furman
      The clavicle, which connects the shoulder to the upper torso, is a horizontal bone that's visible on most people.
    • Pain and stiffness in the shoulder girdle may limit range of motion.
      By: olly
      Pain and stiffness in the shoulder girdle may limit range of motion.
    • The shoulder girdle is a group of four bones that supports the muscles of the shoulders.
      By: high_resolution
      The shoulder girdle is a group of four bones that supports the muscles of the shoulders.