Where is the clavicle located?

In daily life, the clavicle is commonly referred to as the “beauty bone,” yet its precise anatomical location is not widely understood. So, where exactly is the clavicle located?

Where Is the Clavicle Located?

The clavicles are paired bones situated on either side of the shoulders. Each clavicle extends laterally from the acromion of the shoulder and curves medially and inferiorly to articulate with the sternum. One clavicle lies on the left side of the body and the other on the right. Originating from the scapula, the clavicle forms the acromioclavicular (AC) joint at the scapular region and the sternoclavicular (SC) joint inferiorly. As a critical structural support, the clavicle bridges the sternum and scapula. When external force is applied—such as during a fall onto an outstretched hand—the impact can transmit directly to the clavicle, making it highly susceptible to fracture.

The sternoclavicular (SC) joint is formed between the clavicle and the sternum. Under normal circumstances, this joint exhibits minimal or virtually no noticeable movement. However, in some patients, trauma or strain may lead to SC joint hyperplasia, resulting in prominent bony protuberances. These may appear symmetrically or asymmetrically—often as a unilateral swelling—commonly associated with sternoclavicular joint inflammation or other pathological changes affecting the SC joint.

The clavicle lies in the anterior-superior portion of the thorax, spanning horizontally across the junction between the neck and chest, and lies superficially beneath the skin. When palpating the anterior neck, the most prominent bony structure at the cervicothoracic junction is the clavicle. It is a long, tubular bone that connects the trunk to the upper limb. Its medial end articulates with the manubrium of the sternum to form the sternoclavicular joint, while its lateral end articulates with the acromion of the scapula to form the acromioclavicular joint. We hope this explanation proves helpful!