Which joint forms the articulation between the upper limb and the axial skeleton?

Which joint forms the articulation between the upper limb and the axial skeleton?

• A. Sternoclavicular joint
• B. Acromioclavicular joint
• C. Glenohumeral joint
• D. Humeroradial joint

Answer: (A)

The sternoclavicular joint is the articulation between the upper limb and the axial skeleton. It connects the medial end of the clavicle to the manubrium of the sternum, forming the only true link between the arm and the trunk. This joint is a synovial saddle-type joint that allows multiple movements (elevation/depression, protraction/retraction, and rotation) and is stabilized by ligaments like the costoclavicular, interclavicular, and sternoclavicular ligaments. The other joints mentioned do not connect the upper limb directly to the axial skeleton: the acromioclavicular joint links the clavicle to the acromion of the scapula (both part of the shoulder girdle, not the axial skeleton); the glenohumeral joint is the shoulder joint between the humerus and the glenoid cavity of the scapula; and the humeroradial joint is part of the elbow between the humerus and the radius.

The sternoclavicular joint is the articulation between the upper limb and the axial skeleton. It connects the medial end of the clavicle to the manubrium of the sternum, forming the only true link between the arm and the trunk. This joint is a synovial saddle-type joint that allows multiple movements (elevation/depression, protraction/retraction, and rotation) and is stabilized by ligaments like the costoclavicular, interclavicular, and sternoclavicular ligaments.

The other joints mentioned do not connect the upper limb directly to the axial skeleton: the acromioclavicular joint links the clavicle to the acromion of the scapula (both part of the shoulder girdle, not the axial skeleton); the glenohumeral joint is the shoulder joint between the humerus and the glenoid cavity of the scapula; and the humeroradial joint is part of the elbow between the humerus and the radius.