Which term forms part of the shoulder girdle and connects the arm to the axial skeleton?

• A. Ribs
• B. Clavicle
• C. Sternum
• D. Humerus

Answer: (B)

Clavicle is the best answer. The shoulder girdle is made up of the clavicle and the scapula, and the clavicle provides the direct link between the upper limb and the axial skeleton through the sternoclavicular joint. It acts as a brace, keeping the shoulder out from the rib cage to allow a wide range of arm movement, while also transmitting forces from the arm to the trunk. The other options belong to the thoracic cage or the arm itself but do not form the direct connection between the arm and the axial skeleton: ribs and sternum are part of the rib cage, and the humerus is the upper arm bone, not part of the girdle’s connection to the spine.