Question of the Day

Cats have a clavicle, the other species listed do not. The thin clavicle is embedded in the shoulder musculature without any direct bony attachments.

Clavicles help anchor the forelimbs to the trunk while allowing the scapulae and shoulder joints to move relative to the trunk. This increases the mobility of the shoulder joint compared to ball-and-socket joints.

Here are some images of feline clavicles, courtesy of the University of Washington.

Here is an equine shoulder (note normal lack of clavicle).