Collarbone vs. Clavicle — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 18, 2023

The collarbone and the clavicle refer to the same bone, connecting the shoulder blade and the breastbone. The term "collarbone" is informal, while "clavicle" is its medical name.

Difference Between Collarbone and Clavicle

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Key Differences

In our human anatomy, there are specific terms to denote various body parts. The collarbone is one such term, commonly used in everyday language to refer to the horizontal bone that runs across the top of the chest. The clavicle, on the other hand, is the scientific or medical term for the same bone.

Sep 18, 2023

The presence of the collarbone or clavicle is vital as it connects the upper arm (humerus) to the body, specifically to the sternum (breastbone) and scapula (shoulder blade). While "collarbone" might be used in casual settings, doctors or medical professionals will likely use "clavicle" in diagnoses or medical documents.

Sep 18, 2023

Oftentimes in sports or physical activities, injuries to this bone are referred to as a broken collarbone. In a more clinical environment, the same injury would be described as a fractured clavicle.

Sep 18, 2023

When explaining anatomy to a layperson, the term collarbone is more recognizable and relatable. However, for those in the medical field, the term clavicle is standard, consistent with the terminology used for other bones and anatomical structures.

Sep 18, 2023

To summarize, while collarbone and clavicle indicate the same part of the human body, their usage is dictated by context: "collarbone" for casual or layman discussions and "clavicle" for medical or scientific discussions.

Sep 18, 2023

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Comparison Chart

Terminology Type

Informal or everyday language.

Medical or scientific language.

Sep 18, 2023

Usage Context

Casual conversations, layman discussions.

Clinical or anatomical studies, medical documents.

Sep 18, 2023

Recognizability

Commonly recognized by the general public.

Recognized by those in the medical field.

Sep 18, 2023

Refers To

The horizontal bone at the top of the chest.

The bone connecting the sternum and scapula.

Sep 18, 2023

Associated Phrases

"Broken collarbone," "visible collarbone."

"Clavicle fracture," "clavicle anatomy."

Sep 18, 2023

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Compare with Definitions

Collarbone

The prominent bone connecting the shoulder to the chest.

After the accident, he had a fractured collarbone.

Sep 18, 2023

Clavicle

The medical term for the bone connecting the sternum and scapula.

The X-ray revealed a fracture in the clavicle.

Sep 18, 2023

Collarbone

The slender bone atop the ribcage, visible beneath the skin.

Her collarbone was clearly visible in her off-shoulder dress.

Sep 18, 2023

Clavicle

A slender, S-shaped bone located in the anterior part of the thorax.

The clavicle supports the shoulder in various movements.

Sep 18, 2023

Collarbone

The bone running horizontally across the upper part of the chest.

She wore a necklace that perfectly accentuated her collarbone.

Sep 18, 2023

Clavicle

The anatomical name for the bone lying horizontally in the upper chest.

Medical students learn about the clavicle in their anatomy classes.

Sep 18, 2023

Collarbone

A significant bone providing structural support between the shoulder and the body.

He was benched due to a broken collarbone.

Sep 18, 2023

Clavicle

The bone that's an essential component of the shoulder girdle.

A displaced clavicle fracture might require surgical intervention.

Sep 18, 2023

Collarbone

See clavicle.

Jun 04, 2018

Clavicle

The bone providing a connection between the shoulder blade and the breastbone.

Injuries to the clavicle can severely limit arm mobility.

Sep 18, 2023

Collarbone

Either of the pair of bones joining the breastbone to the shoulder blades.

Jun 04, 2018

Clavicle

The clavicle, or collarbone, is a slender, S-shaped long bone approximately 6 inches (15 cm) long that serves as a strut between the shoulder blade and the sternum (breastbone). There are two clavicles, one on the left and one on the right.

Jun 04, 2018

Collarbone

The bone joining the shoulder and the breastbone.

Jun 04, 2018

Clavicle

Technical term for collarbone

Jun 04, 2018

Collarbone

The clavicle, a bone linking the scapula and sternum.

Jun 04, 2018

Clavicle

Either of two slender bones in humans that extend from the manubrium of the sternum to the acromion of the scapula. Also called collarbone.

Jun 04, 2018

Collarbone

Bone linking the scapula and sternum

Jun 04, 2018

Clavicle

One of the bones of the pectoral girdle in many vertebrates.

Jun 04, 2018

Collarbone

The bone that's often associated with shoulder injuries in sports.

The quarterback's season ended early due to a hurt collarbone.

Sep 18, 2023

Clavicle

(skeleton) The collarbone; the prominent bone at the top of the chest between the shoulder and the neck connecting the shoulder and the breastbone.

Jun 04, 2018

Clavicle

The collar bone, which is joined at one end to the scapula, or shoulder blade, and at the other to the sternum, or breastbone. In man each clavicle is shaped like the letter , and is situated just above the first rib on either side of the neck. In birds the two clavicles are united ventrally, forming the merrythought, or wishbone.

Jun 04, 2018

Clavicle

Bone linking the scapula and sternum

Jun 04, 2018

Common Curiosities

Why is the collarbone sometimes more visible on some people?

The visibility of the collarbone or clavicle can be due to genetics, body fat percentage, or muscle definition.

Sep 18, 2023

Is the clavicle part of the shoulder girdle?

Yes, the clavicle or collarbone is a crucial part of the shoulder girdle, providing structural support.

Sep 18, 2023

Which term should I use in a medical setting?

In a medical setting, it's preferable to use clavicle.

Sep 18, 2023

Why is the collarbone prone to fractures?

The collarbone or clavicle is slender and positioned in a way that makes it vulnerable to impact or falls.

Sep 18, 2023

Is the collarbone the only bone connecting the arm to the chest?

Yes, the collarbone or clavicle is the primary bone providing this connection.

Sep 18, 2023

Can you exercise with a clavicle injury?

It's essential to avoid straining a damaged clavicle or collarbone. Consult with a healthcare professional before resuming exercise.

Sep 18, 2023

Are the collarbone and clavicle different bones?

No, the collarbone and clavicle refer to the same bone; it's just a matter of informal vs. medical terminology.

Sep 18, 2023

Why might some people wish for a "defined collarbone"?

A visible collarbone or clavicle is often associated with leanness and is sometimes seen as a beauty or fitness standard.

Sep 18, 2023

What's the shape of the clavicle?

The clavicle or collarbone has an S-shape curvature.

Sep 18, 2023

Do animals have a collarbone or clavicle?

Yes, many animals have a clavicle or collarbone, though its shape and function can vary.

Sep 18, 2023

How long does a broken collarbone take to heal?

A fractured collarbone or clavicle typically takes 4-8 weeks to heal, depending on the severity.

Sep 18, 2023

Why do doctors use the term "clavicle" instead of "collarbone"?

Doctors use clavicle as it's the medical term, ensuring consistency and clarity in clinical discussions.

Sep 18, 2023

Is a collarbone tattoo painful?

Tattooing near the collarbone or clavicle might be more painful due to the bone's proximity to the skin.

Sep 18, 2023

How can you tell if your clavicle is dislocated?

A dislocated clavicle or collarbone will cause pain, swelling, and an abnormal positioning of the bone.

Sep 18, 2023

What's the function of the clavicle?

The clavicle or collarbone provides support and stability for the shoulder, allowing for diverse arm movements.

Sep 18, 2023

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Written by

Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.