Scapula Anatomy

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A trauma patient presents with a broken bone. The doctor tells you it is the scapula. Considering the structure of this bone, which of the following are important details to note to ensure accurate documentation and treatment planning?

The patient's blood type and Rh factor.
Details of the pelvic girdle's range of motion.
Whether the fracture extends into the axial skeleton.
The specific border(s) affected (superior, lateral, or medial). (correct)

A physical therapist is examining a patient with limited shoulder mobility. They suspect an issue with the scapula's movement. Which combination of anatomical features are MOST relevant to assess during the examination to understand the scapulothoracic joint function?

The superior border, lateral angle, and the humerus length.
The inferior angle, lateral border, and the patient's grip strength.
The medial border, inferior angle, and the radius size.
The superior angle, medial border, and the clavicle's articulation. (correct)

During a clinical skills lab, a student is asked to identify different aspects of the scapula. Which concept is MOST crucial for understanding the correct anatomical positioning of the scapula?

Understanding the chemical composition of the bone matrix.
Differentiating between left and right scapulae based on border orientation. (correct)
Knowing the exact weight and density of the scapular body.
Memorizing the Latin names of all the scapular muscles.

Anatomy students are studying the pectoral girdle. A question arises regarding the functional significance of the scapula's triangular shape beyond its role for muscle attachment. Which statement BEST describes an additional advantage provided by this shape?

It provides diverse angles and borders for a wide range of upper limb movements. (C) Signup and view all the answers

A surgeon is planning an approach to the scapula for a complex fracture repair. Which combination of anatomical considerations is MOST critical when deciding between an anterior or posterior approach?

The proximity to the major blood vessels and nerves and the fracture location. (A) Signup and view all the answers

A physical therapist is palpating the borders of a patient's scapula. Difficulty distinguishing between which two borders would MOST significantly impact their ability to assess scapular orientation and movement patterns accurately?

Medial and Lateral borders, as these contribute to scapulohumeral rhythm. (A) Signup and view all the answers

During a shoulder assessment, a clinician notes that the inferior angle of the patient's scapula is more prominent than expected. Which of the following factors would be LEAST likely to contribute to this observation?

Limited internal rotation of the humerus, altering scapulothoracic positioning. (C) Signup and view all the answers

A rehabilitation specialist is designing an exercise program for a client with scapular dyskinesis. An exercise targeting which scapular movement would MOST directly address the function of the medial border of the scapula?

Retraction, which approximates the medial border towards the spine. (D) Signup and view all the answers

When comparing the scapula to the clavicle, which statement BEST describes a key functional difference between the two bones within the pectoral girdle?

The clavicle provides a mobile attachment of the upper limb to the trunk, allowing free upper extremity movement, while the scapula acts as a stable base for muscles controlling shoulder motion (C) Signup and view all the answers

A doctor is reviewing a patient's imaging scans and notices a possible fracture near the superior angle of the scapula. Damage to which muscle attachment in that region would MOST likely contribute to limited shoulder elevation and rotation?

Trapezius, specifically its upper fibers attaching near the superior angle. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Appendicular Skeleton

Bones of the limbs and girdles that support them.

Pectoral Girdle

Connects the upper limbs to the axial skeleton.