The clavicle, commonly known as the collarbone, is classified as a long bone, not a flat bone. Although it is somewhat flat in appearance, its length and structure categorize it differently. The clavicle connects the arm to the body and serves important functions in providing support and mobility for the shoulder girdle.
Unlike flat bones, which are typically thin and provide extensive surfaces for muscular attachment or protection for underlying organs (like the sternum or skull), long bones have a distinct shaft and are generally involved in movement and support. The clavicle’s elongated shape and its role in connecting the sternum to the scapula highlight its classification as a long bone rather than a flat one.