pectoral arch

8.6

Bones near the shoulder made of the collarbones and shoulder blades that support the arm

noun
/ˈpɛktərəl ɑrtʃ/

Specialized

: arco pectoral

The pectoral arch consists of the clavicles and scapulae, forming a sturdy framework for the shoulders.

Examples

The pectoral arch supports the upper limbs and provides attachment for several muscles.
In some injuries, the pectoral arch may be fractured, affecting arm movement.
Evolutionary biologists study the pectoral arch to understand adaptations in different vertebrates.
The pectoral arch supports the upper limbs.
Can you see the pectoral arch in this diagram?
The pectoral arch is crucial for connecting the arms to the torso in many animals.
When studying human anatomy, students learn about the pectoral arch and its role in shoulder function.

Synonyms

shoulder girdle

vspectoral arch

Specialized

1 5.7

The bones that connect the arms to the body, including collarbones and shoulder blades

is about these same bones viewed by their location in the shoulder region

pectoral girdle

vspectoral arch

Specialized

1 7.7

The bones near the shoulders that attach the arms to the chest

focuses on the shoulder region bones rather than the wider vertebrate set

Surface Forms

pectoral arch singular

pectoral arches plural

Morphology

pectoral + arch

The meaning is directly derivable from the constituents: 'pectoral' (pertaining to the chest/shoulder area) combined with 'arch' (an arched structural form) yields an arched bony structure in the chest/shoulder region. Although anatomical and somewhat technical, the compositional logic is transparent and would be understandable to a B1 learner who knows both words.

Etymology

Pectoral arch comes from pectoral meaning 'chest' and arch meaning 'curved bridge'. Imagine a curved band of bones across the top of the chest that holds the arms like a small bridge, and that's why pectoral arch means the bony structure that 'supports' the arms.