Anatomy of the Scapula Quiz

Anatomy of the Scapula

• Definition: The scapula, or shoulder blade, is a flat, triangular bone located on the posterior side of the thorax.
• Location: It articulates with the humerus at the shoulder joint and the clavicle at the acromioclavicular joint.

Key Features

• Borders:
  • Superior border
  • Medial (vertebral) border
  • Lateral (axillary) border
• Angles:
  • Superior angle
  • Inferior angle
  • Lateral angle (contains the glenoid cavity)

Important Structures

• Glenoid Cavity: The shallow socket that articulates with the head of the humerus.
• Acromion: The bony process on the scapula that extends laterally and articulates with the clavicle.
• Coracoid Process: A small hook-like structure providing attachment for ligaments and muscles.
• Spine of Scapula: A prominent ridge on the posterior surface that separates the supraspinous and infraspinous fossae.

Muscle Attachments

• Rotator Cuff Muscles: Infraspinatus, supraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis.
• Other Muscles:
  • Trapezius
  • Rhomboids
  • Serratus anterior
  • Deltoid

Function

• Mobility: Enables a wide range of shoulder movement (flexion, extension, abduction, adduction).
• Stability: Provides a stable base for shoulder movements and supports the glenohumeral joint.

Clinical Considerations

• Common Injuries: Fractures, dislocations, and rotator cuff injuries.
• Imaging: X-rays and MRI are used to diagnose scapula-related injuries or pathologies.

Anatomy of the Scapula

• The scapula is a flat, triangular bone on the posterior thoracic wall, commonly known as the shoulder blade.
• It articulates with the humerus at the shoulder joint and the clavicle at the acromioclavicular joint.

Key Features

• Borders:
  • Superior border: The upper edge of the scapula.
  • Medial (vertebral) border: The edge closest to the spine.
  • Lateral (axillary) border: The edge closest to the arm.
• Angles:
  • Superior angle: The upper point of the scapula.
  • Inferior angle: The lower point of the scapula.
  • Lateral angle: Contains the glenoid cavity, which articulates with the humerus.

Important Structures

• Glenoid Cavity: A shallow socket on the scapula allowing for the articulation with the humeral head.
• Acromion: A lateral bony projection that forms an articulation with the clavicle.
• Coracoid Process: A hook-like structure providing attachment sites for ligaments and muscles.
• Spine of Scapula: A prominent posterior ridge separating the supraspinous fossa from the infraspinous fossa.

Muscle Attachments

• Rotator Cuff Muscles: Essential for shoulder stability and movement, including infraspinatus, supraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis.
• Additional Muscles: Involves trapezius, rhomboids, serratus anterior, and deltoid for diverse shoulder functions.

Function

• Mobility: Facilitates extensive shoulder movements such as flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction.
• Stability: Acts as a stable foundation for shoulder actions and supports the glenohumeral joint dynamics.

Clinical Considerations

• Common Injuries: Includes scapula fractures, dislocations, and rotator cuff injuries.
• Imaging Techniques: X-rays and MRI are effective in diagnosing injuries or diseases related to the scapula.