The shoulder isn't formed by a single bone, but rather by three bones working together: the scapula, clavicle, and humerus.
The Three Bones of the Shoulder
- Scapula (Shoulder Blade): A large, triangular bone located on the back of the shoulder. It's the main support structure for the shoulder joint.
- Clavicle (Collarbone): A long, S-shaped bone connecting the shoulder blade to the sternum (breastbone). It provides stability and support.
- Humerus (Upper Arm Bone): The long bone of the upper arm. It articulates with the scapula at the glenohumeral joint, forming the shoulder joint's main ball-and-socket structure.
The shoulder's movement depends on the interaction between these three bones and their associated joints. The scapula, clavicle, and humerus work in harmony to provide the remarkable range of motion the shoulder is known for.
The reference states that: "The shoulder is made up of three bones: the scapula (shoulder blade), clavicle (collarbone) and humerus (upper arm bone)."
