Anatomy Exam 3
Chapter 8: The Appendicular Skeleton
1) Primary function is locomotion
2) Consists of 32 bones in EACH skeleton
a) Pectoral Girdle
i) Consists of clavicle (anterior) and scapula (posterior)
ii) Do not articulate with the vertebral column
iii) Clavicle – collarbone; lies horizontally across the anterior part of the thorax superior to the
first rib
-Junction of the clavicle’s two curves is its weakest point
-Smoother and straighter in females and rougher and more curved in males
-Forms the anterior strut (rod/bar that resists compression) that props the shoulder joint
away from the rib cage
-Conoid tubercle on the inferior surface of lateral end is point of attachment for conoid
ligament
-Costoclavicular ligament – a ligament that connects the first rib to the clavicle
iv) Scapula – shoulder blade; occupies the superior part of the posterior thorax between the
levels of the 2nd and 7th ribs a few finger breadths lateral to the vertebral column
-Spine – a prominent ridge that runs diagonally across the posterior surface
-Acromion – flattened, expanded process on the lateral end; high point; peak
(a) Articulates with the acromial end of the clavicle to form the acromioclavicular joint
-Glenoid Cavity – shallow depression that accepts the head of the humerus to form
glenohumeral joint
-Suprascapular Notch – prominent indentation along the superior border through which
the suprascapular nerve passes
-Coracoid Process – projections where tendons and muscles attach on the anterior surface
b) Free upper limb
i) 30 bones in 3 locations: arm, forearm, hand
ii) Humerus – longest and largest bone of the upper limb
