Pectoral Girdle, Anatomy, Functions, Muscles and Bones
Pectoral girdle or shoulder girdle connects the upper limbs to the axial skeleton via the clavicle and scapula. Pectoral Girdle Bones, Anatomy, Functions, Muscles, Ligaments and Tendons notes are provided below.
Khushboo Goyal31 May, 2025
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Pectoral Girdle: The pectoral girdle, also known as the shoulder girdle, is a crucial component of the appendicular skeleton. It serves to connect the upper limbs to the axial skeleton. The human skeleton is divided into two main sections: the axial skeleton, which comprises 80 bones including the skull, vertebral column, ribs, and sternum, and the appendicular skeleton, which comprises 126 bones, including the pectoral girdle, pelvic girdle, and limbs.
The pectoral girdle consists of two bones: the clavicle (collarbone) and the scapula (shoulder blade). These bones play a vital role in supporting and facilitating movement of the upper limbs. The pectoral girdle also serves as the attachment site for the humerus, the long bone of the upper arm. NEET aspirants can refer to the NEET Biology Notes for more detailed information on the pectoral girdle and its functions, including its bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.Pectoral Girdle Bones
The pectoral girdle comprises the clavicle (collarbone) and scapula (shoulder blades), which articulate with the proximal humerus of the upper limb. The scapula is one of two large, triangular bones between the second and eighth ribs in the upper back. The clavicle is an S-shaped, flat bone located anteriorly, connecting the sternum (breastbone) to the shoulder. These pectoral girdle bones provide structural support for the shoulder and facilitate a wide range of motion for the connected joints and arms.Anatomy of Pectoral Girdle
The pectoral girdle comprises two key bones: the clavicle and scapula.Clavicle:
The clavicle, or collarbone, is an S-shaped bone positioned horizontally at the front of the body. It provides support for the shoulder, facilitates a wide range of motion, and protects the nerves and blood vessels that travel between the body's trunk and the upper limbs. The clavicle is the direct link between the pectoral girdle and the axial skeleton. The clavicle consists of three parts:- Medial end: This part of the clavicle connects to the sternum. It is triangular and forms the sternoclavicular joint.
- Lateral end: This part of the clavicle connects to the scapula. Known as the acromial end, it is flat and forms the acromioclavicular joint.
- Shaft: This is the main body of the clavicle.
Scapula:
Unlike the clavicle, the scapula, or shoulder blade, is located at the back of the shoulder. It is triangular in shape and connects the humerus to the clavicle. The scapula provides attachment points for several shoulder and upper limbs muscles, linking them to the neck and back. The scapula is divided into three borders:- Medial border (vertebral border): This border runs parallel to the thoracic vertebrae.
- Lateral border (axillary border).
- Superior border: This is the thinnest and shortest of the three borders.
- Lateral angle.
- Inferior angle.
Pectoral Girdle Functions
The pectoral girdle, also known as the shoulder girdle, consists of bones and muscles that connect the upper limbs (arms) to the torso. It is essential for stabilizing and enabling movement in the shoulder joint. Here's a detailed explanation of its functions:- Flexion (forward bending)
- Extension (backward bending)
- Abduction (lifting sideways)
- Adduction (lowering sideways)
- Medial rotation (inward turning)
- Lateral rotation (outward turning)
- Pectoralis major and minor: chest muscles involved in arm flexion, adduction, and medial rotation.
- Latissimus dorsi: a large back muscle aiding in arm extension and adduction.
- Trapezius: an upper back muscle assisting in scapular movement and arm upward rotation.
- Deltoid: a major shoulder muscle responsible for arm abduction.
- Rotator cuff muscles: a group of muscles stabilizing the shoulder joint and enabling rotational movements.
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Pectoral Girdle Muscles, Tendons, and Ligaments
In addition to the bones and joints, the pectoral girdle contains a network of soft tissues, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Muscles are tissues in the body that can contract or relax, enabling the movement of body parts. The muscles of the shoulder girdle work to position and stabilize it. These muscles are situated in the thorax, which is the region between the abdomen below and the base of the neck above. The anterior thoracic muscles include the subclavius, pectoralis minor, and serratus anterior. The posterior thoracic muscles consist of the trapezius, levator scapulae, and rhomboid minor. There are nine muscles responsible for moving the humerus: pectoralis major, latissimus dorsi, deltoid, subscapularis, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres major, teres minor, and coracobrachialis. Physics Wallah's NEET Online Coaching simplifies learning, connecting students with expert teachers for a structured study plan. Our live classes ensure an interactive experience with teacher assistance. PW NEET Online Coaching provides the necessary materials for effective preparation.| NEET Exam Important Links | |
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Pectoral Girdle FAQs
What are the four components of the pectoral girdle?
The pectoral girdle comprises the scapula, clavicle, acromion, and glenoid cavity.
What are the names of the two girdles?
The pectoral girdles are analogous to the upper limbs, while the pelvic girdle corresponds to the lower limbs. Both girdles are integral to the appendicular skeleton, attaching the limbs to the axial skeleton.
What is the function of the pectoral girdle?
The pectoral girdles provide structural support to the shoulders and allow for a wide range of motion, facilitating the movement of shoulder and arm muscles. Each pectoral girdle on either side of the body functions independently.
Is the pectoral girdle flexible?
The pectoral girdle is attached to the appendicular skeleton only at the joint between the clavicle and sternum. This attachment is relatively weak and unstable, but it provides great flexibility and freedom of movement in the upper limb. In contrast, the pelvic girdle's attachment to the sacrum is strong and stable.
How many bones are in the pectoral girdle?
The pectoral girdle, also known as the shoulder girdle, is formed by two bones: the scapula and the clavicle. The clavicle, or collarbone, is an S-shaped bone on the shoulder's front side.
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