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Sd. Tiie scapular joint of the clavicle is formed by the flat
end of this bone touching the acromion process of the scapula.
An interarticular cartilage is occasionally found-, but more
generally it is wanting. The joint is surrounded by a cap-
sular ligament, which is strengthened by several ligamentous
bands. The motion of this joint is very inconsiderable, and
restrained by a firm ligament passing from the clavicle to the
coracoid process.
Use. To connect the scapula and humerus to the thorax,
to defend the subclavian vessels, and to give origin to
muscles. It serves also to regulate the motions of the scapula,
by preventing it from being brought too much forward, or
carried too far backwards; it is, in fact, the axis on which
the whole upper extremity rolls, the scapula serving rather as
a socket for the os humeri: hence such animals as make use
of their fore-legs, or arms, are furnished with clavicles ; as
the ape, bear, bat, mouse, opossum, mole, squirrel,- and
hedgehog.
The clavicle is perfectly formed at birth ; indeed it is
completely so at the third month after conception.
SCAPULA.
Omoplata. Scoptula,
The scapula, or blade-bone, is of a triangular figure, and is
situated in the upper and lateral part of the back. Its ante-
rior and internal surface is irregularly concave, from the im-
pression of muscular and tendinous packets; its posterior and
external surface is convex, and divided into two unequal
parts by a considerable preeess or spine.
Eminences. The spine, which is in the middle of the ex-
ternal surface, arising small from the posterior edge of the
d 4
Sd. Tiie scapular joint of the clavicle is formed by the flat
end of this bone touching the acromion process of the scapula.
An interarticular cartilage is occasionally found-, but more
generally it is wanting. The joint is surrounded by a cap-
sular ligament, which is strengthened by several ligamentous
bands. The motion of this joint is very inconsiderable, and
restrained by a firm ligament passing from the clavicle to the
coracoid process.
Use. To connect the scapula and humerus to the thorax,
to defend the subclavian vessels, and to give origin to
muscles. It serves also to regulate the motions of the scapula,
by preventing it from being brought too much forward, or
carried too far backwards; it is, in fact, the axis on which
the whole upper extremity rolls, the scapula serving rather as
a socket for the os humeri: hence such animals as make use
of their fore-legs, or arms, are furnished with clavicles ; as
the ape, bear, bat, mouse, opossum, mole, squirrel,- and
hedgehog.
The clavicle is perfectly formed at birth ; indeed it is
completely so at the third month after conception.
SCAPULA.
Omoplata. Scoptula,
The scapula, or blade-bone, is of a triangular figure, and is
situated in the upper and lateral part of the back. Its ante-
rior and internal surface is irregularly concave, from the im-
pression of muscular and tendinous packets; its posterior and
external surface is convex, and divided into two unequal
parts by a considerable preeess or spine.
Eminences. The spine, which is in the middle of the ex-
ternal surface, arising small from the posterior edge of the
d 4