pectoral girdle

noun

1. (in vertebrates) a bony or cartilaginous arch supporting the forelimbs.
2. Also called shoulder girdle. (in humans) the bony arch formed by the clavicles, or collarbones, and scapulas, or shoulder blades.

pectoral girdle

noun

1. a skeletal support to which the front or upper limbs of a vertebrate are attached

Word History and Origins

Origin of pectoral girdle¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

The paired fins are fan-like, and the pectoral girdle is attached to the hinder part of the skull.

From Project Gutenberg

Owen's reasons for considering the pectoral girdle and the fore-limb part of the occipital vertebra are as follows.

From Project Gutenberg

These spines are really enormous dermal fin-rays; the pectoral fin-spine is articulated to the pectoral girdle.

From Project Gutenberg

The pectoral girdle consists almost entirely of dermal clavicular bones.

From Project Gutenberg

The pectoral girdle includes both membrane and cartilage bones.

From Project Gutenberg