Girdles

Girdle is a term with several meanings. In anatomy, it denotes the bones that attach the limbs to the trunk: the pectoral girdle in the upper body and the pelvic girdle in the lower body. In historical and fashion usage, it can refer to a belt-like garment worn at the waist.

The pectoral girdle consists of clavicles and scapulae. The clavicles connect medially to the sternum and laterally to the scapulae, forming the sternoclavicular and acromioclavicular joints. The scapulae move over the rib cage and connect with the humerus at the glenohumeral joint, giving the arms extensive mobility.

The pelvic girdle is formed by two hip bones (ilium, ischium, pubis) joined at the pubic symphysis and articulating posteriorly with the sacrum at the sacroiliac joints, forming a bony ring. It transmits body weight to the lower limbs, supports pelvic organs, and the femurs articulate with the acetabula of the hip bones.

In many vertebrates girdles provide limb attachment with species-specific differences. In humans, hip girdle structure reflects bipedal locomotion, while the shoulder girdle supports a wide range of arm movements.

Girdle as clothing: historically a girdle served as a waist belt or corset-like garment to shape the torso or support clothing. Modern usage often refers to shapewear or waist cinchers.

Clinically, injuries to girdles include clavicle fractures, shoulder dislocations, or pelvic girdle fractures and injuries to associated joints, which may require immobilization or surgery.