The Surprising Connection Between Keys and Your Collarbone

When you think of a key, you probably imagine the small piece of metal that opens doors and locks. But what if I told you that every person carries a key inside their own body? That’s right—the collarbone, also known as the clavicle, gets its name directly from the Latin word clāvicula, meaning “little key.”

Why a key? The explanation lies in both anatomy and history. The clavicle, that slender bone stretching across the top of your chest between the sternum and shoulder, acts like a lever. When you lift your arm or rotate your shoulder, the clavicle twists in a motion similar to turning a key in a lock. Early anatomists and physicians noticed this movement and began referring to it as the “little key.” The name stuck, and today we still call it the clavicle.

This fascinating connection isn’t limited to English. Many languages preserve the “key” imagery. In German, the collarbone is called Schlüsselbein, which translates literally to “key bone.” The French say clavicle, echoing the Latin root. Even in anatomy textbooks, the association between keys and collarbones is highlighted as a piece of linguistic history that links language, medicine, and everyday objects.

Beyond its name, the clavicle plays a critical role in human movement. It’s the only horizontal long bone in the body and serves as a strut, keeping your shoulders properly aligned while allowing a wide range of arm motion. Without it, everyday actions like reaching, lifting, or even typing would be much harder.

So the next time you reach up to grab something off a shelf or wave to a friend, remember—you’re turning a key. Not one that opens doors, but one that unlocks the remarkable mechanics of your own body.

While ASSA can’t fix a broken collarbone, we can repair the security failures caused by a broken key system. 

Reach out to us to schedule a free consultation with our keying experts - 800.235.7482.