Basic Information
Your clavicle, or collarbone, is one of the most commonly broken bones in the human body. That’s because it’s long, thin, and sits right under your skin — so it’s easy to break if you fall or get bumped hard.
Clavicle - Facts for Kids
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Facts About Clavicle For Kids
The word “clavicle” comes from the Latin word “clavicula,” which means “little key,” because the bone’s shape resembles an ancient Roman door key!
Your clavicle is the only long bone in the body that lies horizontally, making it like a bridge between your shoulder and chest!
A newborn baby’s clavicle is only about 4 centimeters long, but by adulthood, it grows to be about 15 centimeters — that’s as long as a new pencil!
Your clavicle is one of the first bones to start forming when you’re still growing in your mother’s tummy, appearing around week 6 of development!
Unlike most bones that form from cartilage first, your clavicle forms directly from special bone-forming cells — making it extra unique!
Each person has two clavicles — one on the left and one on the right — working together like a team to help your arms move properly!
The clavicle is classified as a long bone, even though it’s one of the shortest long bones in your body!
Your clavicle connects to your body at two special spots: the sternum (breastbone) and the acromion (part of your shoulder blade)!
The clavicle is the only long bone that lies parallel to the ground when you’re standing straight up!
Structure & Appearance
Your clavicle has a unique S-shape that helps it absorb shock and protect important nerves and blood vessels underneath!
The clavicle has three main parts: a shaft (the middle part) and two ends called the sternal end (near your chest) and the acromial end (near your shoulder)!
If you look closely at someone’s shoulders, you can actually see their clavicles through their skin — it’s one of the most visible bones in the human body!
The clavicle is thicker at its ends and thinner in the middle, kind of like a dumbbell shape!
Function & Purpose
Your clavicle acts like a mighty spring, helping to absorb shock when you fall on your outstretched hand!
The clavicle helps keep your shoulders wide apart, making room for your lungs to expand fully when you breathe!
Your clavicle (collarbone) provides attachment points for 6 different muscles that help move your arm and shoulder!
When you raise your arm above your head, your clavicle rotates about 40 to 50 degrees to make this movement possible!
Your clavicle helps protect important blood vessels and nerves that carry signals and nutrients to your arms!
The clavicle works like a strut on a car, helping to transfer force from your arms to your body’s center!
Your clavicle helps you lift heavy objects by providing stability to your shoulder joint!
When you throw a ball, your clavicle moves in three different directions to help make the throw powerful and accurate!
The clavicle (collarbone) is an important landmark doctors use to find your pulse and check important blood vessels!
Your clavicle helps protect your brachial plexus — a special network of nerves that controls arm movement!
Amazing Abilities
Your clavicle can heal itself even if it breaks completely — it’s one of the fastest-healing bones in your body!
Your clavicle continues to get stronger throughout childhood as you grow and play!
The clavicle can stretch very slightly when pulled, helping it absorb impact without breaking!
Your clavicle has a special outer layer that contains cells that can quickly repair small injuries!
The clavicle’s unique S-shape allows it to be lighter while staying just as strong as a straight bone would be!
Your clavicle helps you carry a backpack by distributing the weight across your upper body!
Growth & Development
Your clavicle keeps growing until you’re about 25 years old — longer than many other bones!
The clavicle grows from two special areas called growth plates, like having two growing zones!
Girls’ clavicles typically finish growing earlier than boys’ clavicles!
Your clavicle grows faster during growth spurts, just like the rest of your bones!
The clavicle’s shape changes slightly as you grow to better support your developing muscles!
By age 12, your clavicle has reached about 80% of its adult size!
Scientists can tell how old a person was by looking at their clavicle’s growth patterns!
Fun Science Facts
Archeologists have found clavicle fossils from our ancient ancestors that are millions of years old!
Some people are born with an extra small bone near their clavicle called a cervical rib!
The clavicle is the most commonly broken bone in children under 10 years old!
The longest human clavicle ever found measured about 19.4 centimeters (around 7.6 inches) — much longer than the average collarbone today!
Your clavicle is the last bone to finish growing in your body!
The clavicle is one of the few bones that can be easily felt through your skin!
The clavicle is one of the few bones that can be easily felt through your skin!
Scientists have discovered that birds have a wishbone that’s actually made from two connected clavicles!
Daily Activities & Movement
When you wave “hello,” your collarbone (that’s the clavicle!) helps your arm move smoothly!
When you give someone a hug, your clavicles work together to help your arms wrap around them!
When you take a big, deep breath, your collarbone (that’s the clavicle!) lifts just a little bit to help make room for your lungs to fill!
When you do a cartwheel, your collarbones (those are your clavicles!) help keep your shoulders steady so your arms can swing through the air smoothly!
