Bones and Joints of Upper Limb Anatomy

Scapula and Clavicle Facts

• The scapula does not extend between the 1st to 6th ribs; it actually spans from the 2nd to 7th ribs.
• The clavicle has two ends: a medial (sternal) end and a lateral (acromial) end.
• The glenoid cavity of the scapula is the socket for the shoulder joint, not the hip joint.
• The scapula features three processes: the spine, acromion, and coracoid.
• Most scapula fractures do not typically involve the coracoid process; the shoulder blade's more significant fractures occur due to trauma.
• The clavicle is commonly fractured in adults due to its exposure and role in connecting the arm to the body.
• Injury to the long thoracic nerve can lead to winged scapula due to paralysis of the serratus anterior muscle.
• After a clavicle fracture, the medial fragment may drop due to the weight of the upper limb.
• The scapula resembles a bent finger pointing towards the knee in size, shape, and direction.
• The inferior border of the scapula is not the thickest part of the bone; the body of the scapula is more robust.
• The pectoral girdle is indeed formed by the scapula and clavicle working together.
• The clavicle does not have a medullary cavity; it is a solid bone.
• The clavicle acts as a rigid support for the upper limb and helps transmit forces from the upper limb to the axial skeleton.
• The scapula is not subcutaneous throughout its length; only certain areas are subcutaneous, mainly around the acromion.

Bones of the Upper Limb and Knee Facts

• The carpal bones are integral parts of the upper limb, forming the wrist structure.
• The longest bone in the body is the femur, located in the thigh.
• The femur articulates with the acetabulum of the hip bone to form the hip joint.
• The neck of the femur connects the head to the shaft and is crucial in joint mechanics.
• The artery that supplies the head of the femur passes along the ligament of the head of the femur.
• The thickest part of the inferior border of the scapula is called the inferior angle.
• Injury to the long thoracic nerve can lead to winged scapula due to paralysis of the serratus anterior.
• The patella is the largest sesamoid bone found in front of the knee joint, aiding in knee function.
• The fibula takes no part in the articulation of the knee joint; its primary function is to provide stability to the ankle.
• The femur has a groove on its posterior surface for the semimembranosus muscle, facilitating muscular function.
• The femur features processes known as medial and lateral epicondyles for muscle attachment and stability.
• The upper end of the femur is larger than the lower end, allowing for better articulation with the acetabulum.
• The head of the fibula articulates with the lateral condyle of the tibia, contributing to knee structure.
• The tibia has an upper smooth surface that provides attachment to the ligamentum patellae.
• The tibia has three surfaces: anterior, medial, and lateral, crucial for muscle attachment and movement.
• The quadrate tubercle is located on the femur, serving as an attachment point for muscles.
• The femur's intercondylar notch or fossa separates the lateral and medial condyles, essential for joint movement.