Open Question
At work, a box fell from a shelf onto Ella's acromial region. In the emergency room, the physician felt that the head of her humerus had moved into the axilla. What had happened to Ella?
7. The Skeletal System
The Pectoral Girdle
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The pectoral girdle does NOT quite satisfy the features of a true girdle because __________.
A
the socket of the shoulder joint is shallow
B
anteriorly, the medial ends of the clavicle join the sternum
C
laterally, the clavicle articulates with the scapula
D
posteriorly, the medial ends of the scapulae do not join each other
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of a 'girdle' in anatomy, which typically refers to a structure that encircles or supports a part of the body. In the context of the pectoral girdle, it involves the clavicles and scapulae.
Recognize that a true girdle would form a complete ring or circle, providing structural support and stability. The pectoral girdle, however, does not form a complete circle.
Examine the anatomical connections: anteriorly, the clavicles connect to the sternum, and laterally, they articulate with the scapulae. These connections contribute to the structure but do not complete the circle.
Identify the key feature that prevents the pectoral girdle from being a true girdle: posteriorly, the medial ends of the scapulae do not join each other, leaving an open space.
Conclude that this lack of posterior connection is why the pectoral girdle does not satisfy the features of a true girdle, as it does not form a complete encircling structure.
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