Collarbone Health Dictionary

The name applied to a large artery and vein which pass to the upper arm between the collarbone and the ?rst rib.... subclavian

The joint that lies between the outer end of the clavicle (collarbone) and the acromion (the bony prominence at the top of the scapula (shoulderblade).... acromioclavicular joint

A bony prominence at the top of the scapula (shoulderblade). The acromion articulates with the end of the clavicle (collarbone) to form the acromioclavicular joint.... acromion

Techniques for providing pictures that show the structure or function of bones. X-ray images are the most commonly used technique for diagnosing fractures and injuries. More detailed information is provided by tomography, CT scanning, or MRI, which can show tumours

cavities; it may be red or yellow. Red bone marrow is present in all bones at birth and is the factory for most of the blood cells. During the teens, red bone marrow is gradually replaced in some bones by less active yellow marrow. In adults, red marrow is confined chiefly to the spine, sternum, (breastbone), ribs, pelvis (hip-bones), scapulae (shoulderblades), clavicles (collarbones), and bones of the skull.

Stem cells within the red marrow are stimulated to form blood cells by the hormone erythropoietin.

Yellow marrow is composed mainly of connective tissue and fat.

If the body needs to increase its rate of blood formation, some of the yellow marrow will be replaced by red.

Sometimes marrow fails to produce sufficient numbers of normal blood cells, as occurs in aplastic anaemia (see anaemia, aplastic) or when marrow has been displaced by tumour cells.

In other cases, marrow may overproduce certain blood cells, as occurs in polycythaemia and leukaemia.... bone imaging

The collarbone. The 2 clavicles, 1 on each side, form joints with the top of the sternum (breastbone) and the scapula (shoulderblade). The clavicles support the arms and transmit forces from the arms to the central skeleton.... clavicle

The triangular muscle of the shoulder region that forms the rounded flesh of the outer part of the upper arm, and passes up and over the shoulder joint. The wide end of the muscle is attached to the shoulderblade and the collarbone. The muscle fibres meet to form the apex of the triangle, which is attached to the humerus (upper-arm bone) halfway down its length. The central, strongest part of the muscle raises the arm sideways. The front and back parts of the muscle twist the arm.... deltoid

The part of the body that supports the head and serves as a passageway between the head and brain and the body.

The neck contains many important structures: the spinal cord (which carries nerve impulses to and from the brain); the trachea (windpipe); the larynx (voice box); the oesophagus; the thyroid and parathyroid glands; lymph nodes; and several major blood vessels. The upper 7 vertebrae of the spine are in the neck; a complex system of muscles is connected to these vertebrae, the clavicles (collarbones), the upper ribs, and lower jaw.

Neck disorders include torticollis (wry neck) in which the head is twisted to one side. Fractures and dislocations of vertebrae in the neck and whiplash injury can injure the spinal cord causing paralysis or even death (see spinal injury). Any condition causing swelling in the neck may interfere with breathing or swallowing.

Degeneration of the joints between the neck vertebrae may occur due to cervical osteoarthritis, causing similar symptoms to those of disc prolapse. In ankylosing spondylitis, fusion of the vertebrae may result in permanent neck rigidity. Cervical rib is a rare congenital defect in which there is a small extra rib in the neck.Neck pain of unknown origin is very common.

As long as neurological symptoms (such as loss of sensation or muscle power) are absent, the condition is unlikely to be serious and usually disappears within a few weeks.... neck

A common disorder of the middle-aged and elderly, in which the formation of bone is disrupted. Affected bones become weak, thick, and deformed. Paget’s disease, which is also called osteitis deformans, usually affects the pelvis, skull, collarbone, vertebrae, and long bones of the leg. The disorder may run in families and mostly affects men.

There are often no symptoms, but if symptoms do occur, the most common ones are bone pain and deformity, especially bowing of the legs. Affected bones are prone to fracture. Skull changes may lead to leontiasis (distortion of the facial bones producing a lion-like appearance) and to damage to the inner ear, sometimes causing deafness, tinnitus, vertigo, or headaches.

The disorder is diagnosed by X-rays and blood tests. Most people do not need treatment, or only need analgesic drugs. In more severe cases, treatment with drugs such as calcitonin may be prescribed or surgery may be needed.... paget’s disease

A large, diamondshaped muscle extending from the back of the skull to the lower part of the spine in the chest and across the width of the shoulders.

It is attached to the top and back of the shoulderblade and to the outermost part of the collarbone.

The trapezius helps support the neck and spine and is involved in moving the arm.... trapezius muscle