The shoulder is actually made up of multiple bones working together, but for Class 6, it's essential to understand the main ones involved. These are the clavicle (collarbone) and the scapula (shoulder blade).
Here's a breakdown:
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Clavicle (Collarbone): This long, slender bone connects the shoulder to the rib cage. It's located at the front of your shoulder and is easily felt just below your neck.
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Scapula (Shoulder Blade): This is a large, flat, triangular bone located in the upper back. It connects to the humerus (upper arm bone) to form the shoulder joint.
Think of it this way: The clavicle acts like a strut, holding the shoulder away from the chest, while the scapula provides a socket for the arm to move. The humerus is also part of the shoulder complex, as it forms the "ball" of the ball-and-socket joint. Muscles, ligaments, and tendons further support and coordinate the movements.
Therefore, the shoulder "bone" referred to typically encompasses both the clavicle and scapula working together, along with the humerus (upper arm bone), to form the complete shoulder structure.
