Advanced Shoulder Girdle Bones Quiz

Q1. Why is the clavicle described as a strut of the shoulder girdle?

• It forms the socket for the humeral head
• It holds the scapula laterally and transmits forces toward the axial skeleton
• It prevents rotation of the scapula
• It fixes the scapula rigidly to the vertebral column

Q2. Which part of the clavicle is most commonly fractured?

• Sternal articular surface only
• Extreme medial end only
• Junction of the middle and lateral thirds
• Conoid tubercle only

Q3. After a typical midshaft clavicular fracture, what tends to pull the medial fragment superiorly?

• Coracobrachialis
• Teres minor
• Subscapularis
• Sternocleidomastoid

Q4. Why can a clavicular fracture potentially threaten major neurovascular structures?

• The axillary artery lies within the acromioclavicular joint
• The radial nerve attaches directly to the clavicle
• The subclavian vessels and brachial plexus lie deep to the clavicle
• The median nerve passes through the clavicular medulla

Q5. Which nerve passes through the suprascapular notch beneath the superior transverse scapular ligament?

• Musculocutaneous nerve
• Axillary nerve
• Suprascapular nerve
• Long thoracic nerve

Q6. Injury to which nerve can cause prominent medial winging of the scapula?

• Long thoracic nerve
• Radial nerve
• Median nerve
• Ulnar nerve

Q7. Which muscles form the principal force couple for upward rotation of the scapula during arm elevation?

• Rhomboid major and levator scapulae
• Serratus anterior and trapezius
• Teres major and teres minor
• Pectoralis major and coracobrachialis

Q8. Why are fractures of the scapular body relatively uncommon?

• It is protected by surrounding muscles and the thoracic wall
• It is fused directly to the ribs
• It does not receive forces from the upper limb
• It contains no cancellous bone

Q9. Which articulation allows the clavicle to transmit forces from the shoulder girdle directly to the axial skeleton?

• Sternoclavicular joint
• Glenohumeral joint
• Scapulothoracic articulation
• Elbow joint

Q10. Which description best summarizes the functional relationship between the clavicle and scapula?

• The clavicle acts as a strut while the scapula provides a mobile platform for the upper limb
• Their main function is to prevent movement between the upper limb and thorax
• The scapula connects directly to the sternum while the clavicle forms the shoulder socket
• Both bones remain fixed during all shoulder movements