Which of the following bones is called the Collar Bone?

Appeared in: MP CHO -2021 (Shift 1st)

Explanation

The clavicle is the anatomical name for the bone commonly known as the collar bone.
It is a slender, S-shaped bone that connects the sternum (breastbone) to the scapula (shoulder blade), forming part of the pectoral girdle.
Its primary functions are to act as a strut supporting the shoulder, allowing the arm to hang freely, and to transmit physical forces from the upper limb to the axial skeleton.
The clavicle is the only long bone that lies horizontally in the body.

Option A: The femur is the thigh bone, the longest and strongest bone in the human body. It is located in the upper leg.
Option B: The term 'Pelvic' refers to the pelvic girdle, a basin-shaped complex of bones that connects the trunk and the legs. It is not a single bone and is not the collar bone.
Option C: The scapula is the anatomical name for the shoulder blade, a large triangular flat bone located on the posterior side of the ribcage.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Anatomy and Physiology: Skeletal System Terminology as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Clavicle fractures are very common, accounting for about 5% of all adult fractures. They often result from a fall onto the shoulder or an outstretched hand.
Due to its proximity to major blood vessels (subclavian artery and vein) and nerves (brachial plexus), a displaced clavicle fracture requires careful assessment for potential neurovascular injury.
What if the question asked for the 'shoulder blade'? The correct answer would then be the Scapula.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question from the subject of Anatomy.
First, read the question carefully to identify the specific anatomical term being asked for: 'Collar Bone'.
Review the options provided: Femur, Pelvic, Scapula, and Clavicle.
Recall the common names for major bones in the human body from your anatomy studies.
Identify that 'Clavicle' is the correct anatomical term for the 'Collar Bone'.
To confirm, eliminate the other options by recalling their common names or locations: Femur (thigh bone), Pelvic (hip bones), and Scapula (shoulder blade).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Anatomy Applied Ashalatha 4e p. 253-255

E6 Anatomy BDChaurasia V1 10e p. 22-24

Practise the full MP CHO -2021 (Shift 1st)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.