The collarbone is the long, thin bone that runs horizontally between your shoulder and the base of your neck. It helps connect your arm to your body and supports shoulder movement.
“Collarbone” is a straightforward compound of “collar” and “bone,” referring to its position near the neck and shirt collar. Anatomically, it is called the clavicle, from Latin “clavicula,” meaning “little key.”
The Latin name “clavicle” calls it a “little key,” because the bone’s shape reminded people of old door keys. So your collarbone is both part of your “collar” area and a tiny built‑in “key” holding your shoulder in place.
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