Which bone forms part of the shoulder girdle?

• A. Mandible
• B. Pelvis
• C. Scapula
• D. Carpals

Answer: (C)

A key concept here is recognizing the shoulder girdle (pectoral girdle) is made up of two bones on each side that connect the upper limb to the trunk: the clavicle and the scapula. The bone among the options that forms part of this girdle is the scapula, the shoulder blade. It’s a flat, triangular bone located on the back of the rib cage and features the glenoid cavity, which partners with the humerus to form the shoulder joint, and the acromion, which connects with the clavicle. The scapula also serves as a major site for muscle attachments that move the arm.

The other bones listed do not form part of the shoulder girdle: the mandible is the jawbone, the pelvis relates to the hip region, and the carpals are the wrist bones.