The pectoral girdles attache the upper limbs to the axial skeleton and provide insertion points for many muscles that move the upper limbs.

The pectoral girdles are loosely attached to the axial skeleton and do NOT articulate with the vertebral column or with the ribs.

Each pectoral girdle, right and left, consists of two bones:
- a clavicle (= collar bone) anteriorly
- and a scapula (= shoulder blade) posteriorly.