Which bone is commonly referred to as the collarbone?

The bone commonly referred to as the collarbone is the clavicle. This long, slender bone serves as a key structural component of the shoulder girdle, connecting the arm to the body. It functions to stabilize the shoulder and allows for a wide range of motion in the arms. The clavicle is located horizontally across the front of the thoracic cage, extending from the sternum to the acromion of the scapula. Its positioning makes it easily palpable beneath the skin and gives it the commonly known name "collarbone."

Understanding the role of the clavicle is essential in anatomy and kinesiology, as it plays a critical part in movements involving the upper limb, as well as in protecting the underlying nerves and blood vessels.