Anatomy
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What is the Pectoral Girdle?

Claudette M. Pendleton
Claudette M. Pendleton

In anatomy, the pectoral girdle is the set of bones that forms the shoulder joint in humans and many animals. This set of bones is sometimes also called the “shoulder girdle,” and is usually made up of the clavicle, or collar bone, and scapula — at least in humans. Some animal species have more bones in this joint, others less. The main function of these joints is to provide support and mobility to the arms, and to allow a full range of motion. In most cases the bones work in conjunction with several major muscle groups in fulfillment of this goal.

General Shape and Location

The pectoral girdle, in humans, consists of the two clavicles and two scapulas in the shoulders.
The pectoral girdle, in humans, consists of the two clavicles and two scapulas in the shoulders.

The word “girdle” generally refers to a complete ring or full circle, and in this respect the pectoral girdle is something of an exception: it does not consist of a complete circle, but rather is more of an arc or semi-circle in shape. The two clavicle bones are divided on the front side by the breastbone, also referred to as the sternum. In addition, there is a space separating the two scapula bones on the backside of the area.

Muscular Structure

The pectoral girdle is the set of bones that forms the shoulder joint.
The pectoral girdle is the set of bones that forms the shoulder joint.

There are no joints that connect the thoracic cage, also called the rib cage, to each scapula. The muscles that connect the two allow the girdle bones to have a substantial range of movement, though. Species that have only scapula bones generally have muscular attachment but no joints connecting the front limb and the thorax, the part of an animal's body positioned between the head and the abdomen.

Clavicle

Performing dumbbell flies can strengthen the pectoral -- or chest -- muscles.
Performing dumbbell flies can strengthen the pectoral -- or chest -- muscles.

The clavicle, one of the sets of bones that make up the shoulder girdle, is slim and S-shaped. It connects the bones in the upper arm to the trunk of the body. In addition, the clavicle maintains the girdle’s basic shape and structure by keeping the shoulder in its proper setting and away from the trunk area. This allows more freedom of movement and also promotes more efficiency when it comes to swinging and bending the arms.

Scapula

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

The scapula also tends to be somewhat slim and carries a low profile; these bones are flat and triangular in shape, and are positioned on the second to the seventh rib on the backside of the rib cage. A number of muscles are attached to the scapula bones, and one edge has a thin, hollow space called the glenoid cavity. In humans, this is where the top of the humerus, or upper arm bone, is positioned. A thin border that runs alongside the surface of the scapula forms the spine of the bone, which provides strength to the scapula to keep it from breaking or bending.

Main Function

Clavicle injuries may occur during contact sports or while exercising.
Clavicle injuries may occur during contact sports or while exercising.

For most animals, support is the primary goal of this particular set of bones and muscles. The shoulder girdle provides essential structural support and connection to several muscles that are situated primarily in the elbow and shoulder joint area, which, among other things, allows for a wide range of arm movements. Human beings have joints that connect the shoulder girdle and what’s known as the “axial skeletal structure,” the 80 bones within the head and chest of the human body. These joints are called sternoclavicular joints and are positioned on both sides of the ribcage.

The pectoral girdle is often compared to the pelvic girdle, which is a similar series of bones that provides support and facilitates movement of the legs and hips. Unlike the pelvic girdle, though, the bones in the pectoral region aren’t typically designed to bear weight, at least not in animals that walk upright like humans. They provide structure and mobility, but aren’t usually intended to help with balance or absorb weight. This means that they often aren’t as sturdy or substantial as the bones in the pelvis, though the job they do is usually just as important.

Discussion Comments

OeKc05

The pectoral girdle helps our movements to be more fluid. Our shoulder blades on our backs are connected to the clavicles out front, so the whole thing moves as one.

Everything in the human body works together, so the load is spread out. The pelvic girdle helps distribute our upper body weight to the legs, so no one section has to take on too much.

I guess the body is like one big warehouse with workers divided into departments. Each section does its own job, but in doing this, it helps out the whole warehouse.

lighth0se33

@Perdido – No, what you are feeling is his scapula. It doesn't form a girdle.

I saw a skeleton model of a dog in biology class years ago, and I remember seeing those shoulder bones right on top of the dog's front legs. Dogs have very compact bodies, so they missed out on a few bones.

JackWhack

I thought dogs had a clavicle bone! I can feel some sort of bone protruding on either side of my dog's chest above his legs. Does it not go all the way across?

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    • The pectoral girdle, in humans, consists of the two clavicles and two scapulas in the shoulders.
      By: joshya
      The pectoral girdle, in humans, consists of the two clavicles and two scapulas in the shoulders.
    • The pectoral girdle is the set of bones that forms the shoulder joint.
      By: pixdesign123
      The pectoral girdle is the set of bones that forms the shoulder joint.
    • Performing dumbbell flies can strengthen the pectoral -- or chest -- muscles.
      By: xalanx
      Performing dumbbell flies can strengthen the pectoral -- or chest -- muscles.
    • Pain and stiffness anywhere in the pectoral girdle may limit range of motion in the shoulder.
      By: olly
      Pain and stiffness anywhere in the pectoral girdle may limit range of motion in the shoulder.
    • Clavicle injuries may occur during contact sports or while exercising.
      By: Hunor Kristo
      Clavicle injuries may occur during contact sports or while exercising.