Sternoclavicular joint

Definition

The sternoclavicular joint is the synovial joint that connects the sternum (breastbone) to the clavicle (collarbone). This joint plays a vital role in shoulder mobility and stability, allowing for a range of movements that are essential for upper limb function and activities such as reaching, throwing, and lifting.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The sternoclavicular joint is unique as it is the only bony connection between the upper limb and the axial skeleton, providing essential support to the shoulder girdle.
2. It allows for multi-directional movement including elevation, depression, protraction, retraction, and rotation of the clavicle, contributing to overall shoulder mobility.
3. The joint is surrounded by a fibrous capsule and has an articular disc that helps absorb shock and stabilize movements.
4. Injuries to the sternoclavicular joint can lead to pain and dysfunction, affecting a person's ability to perform daily activities and sports.
5. The sternoclavicular joint plays an important role in force transmission from the upper limbs to the trunk, impacting overall body mechanics during physical activities.

Review Questions

• How does the sternoclavicular joint contribute to shoulder mobility and stability?
  • The sternoclavicular joint is crucial for shoulder mobility as it allows for various movements like elevation, depression, protraction, and retraction of the clavicle. This range of motion enables the upper limb to perform complex tasks effectively. Additionally, it provides stability by connecting the upper limb to the axial skeleton, which is important for maintaining proper posture and distributing forces during activities.
• What are the anatomical features of the sternoclavicular joint that aid its function?
  • The anatomical features of the sternoclavicular joint include its synovial structure, which allows for smooth movement, and an articular disc that helps distribute load and absorb shock. The joint is encapsulated in a fibrous capsule that provides stability while permitting movement. This design enables it to handle the various stresses placed on it during different shoulder activities.
• Evaluate how injuries to the sternoclavicular joint could affect overall upper body function during sports activities.
  • Injuries to the sternoclavicular joint can significantly impair upper body function by limiting shoulder mobility and causing pain during movements. This restriction affects athletic performance in sports that require overhead motions like throwing or serving. The inability to properly engage the shoulder girdle may also lead to compensatory movements in other joints, increasing the risk of further injuries or chronic pain issues across the kinetic chain.

Related terms

Clavicle: The collarbone, a long bone that serves as a strut between the shoulder blade and the sternum, playing a key role in shoulder mechanics.

Sternum: The flat bone located in the center of the chest, providing structural support for the rib cage and anchoring the clavicles.

Shoulder Girdle: The complex of bones and joints, including the sternoclavicular joint, that connects the upper limb to the axial skeleton and facilitates shoulder movement.