鎖骨(さこつ)

鎖骨(さこつ) is the collarbone (clavicle), the bone running horizontally between the shoulder and the base of the neck.

Usage

Connects the 肩甲骨(けんこうこつ) (shoulder blade/scapula) to the 胸骨(きょうこつ) (breastbone/sternum). One of the most commonly fractured bones, especially in falls and sports injuries.

Common collocations

• 鎖骨(さこつ)を骨折(こっせつ)する: to fracture the collarbone
• 鎖骨(さこつ)が折(お)れる: to break the collarbone
• 鎖骨(さこつ)が目立(めだ)つ: collarbones are visible/prominent
• 鎖骨(さこつ)のライン: collarbone line

Cultural note

In Japanese fashion and beauty culture, visible 鎖骨(さこつ) are often considered attractive. Necklines and off-shoulder designs that show the collarbones (鎖骨(さこつ)が見(み)える服(ふく)) are popular.

Etymology

鎖(さ) (chain) + 骨(こつ) (bone) — named for the bone's chain-like shape.