Final answer:
The common name for the clavicle is the collarbone, which is part of the pectoral girdle essential for connecting the arms to the trunk and allowing upper limb mobility. The clavicle articulates with the sternum and scapula, and is known to be the most commonly fractured bone in the body.
Step-by-step explanation:
The common name for the clavicle is the collarbone. The clavicle is an elongated, S-shaped bone that plays a critical role in the pectoral girdle, or shoulder girdle. This girdle consists of the paired clavicles and scapulas (shoulder blades) that form the shoulders and connect the arms to the trunk. The clavicle articulates with the manubrium of the sternum medially and with the acromion of the scapula laterally, allowing for a considerable range of motion in the upper limbs. As one of the major bones in the shoulder girdle, the scapula is a flat, triangular-shaped bone that also plays an important role, articulating with both the clavicle and the humerus (arm bone) to form the shoulder joint.
Due to its location and structure, the clavicle is the most commonly fractured bone, often resulting from a fall onto outstretched arms or a blow to the shoulder. Despite its susceptibility to fractures, the bone's articulation with the sternum and scapula is crucial for the mobility and function of the upper limb. The clavicle's relationship with surrounding structures ensures that even when fractured, the underlying blood vessels and nerves are usually spared from injury.