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Scapula

Notes

Scapula

Anatomy:

  • Supraspinous fossa - superior to the spine
  • Infraspinous fossa - inferior to the spine
  • Body – triangular surface of scapula
  • Superior angle – projects superomedially
  • Inferior angle - projects inferiorly
  • Lateral angle – projects laterally; includes the glenoid cavity
  • Superior border - extends from the glenoid cavity to the superior angle
  • Lateral (aka axillary) border - extends from the inferior angle to the lateral angle
  • Medial (aka vertebral) border - extends from the superior angle to the inferior angle
  • Subscapular fossa - anterior surface of the scapula; it is the attachment site for subscapularis
  • Acromion - the most-superior extension of the scapula and arises from the scapula's posterior surface
  • Coracoid process - extends from the superior aspect of the scapula and projects laterally
  • Glenoid cavity (aka fossa) - laterally oriented cup-shaped depression where the humerus articulates with the pectoral girdle
  • Glenoid labrum - rim of the glenoid cavity, composed of fibrocartilage and aids in humeral stabilization
  • Supra- and infraglenoid tubercles - raised portions of bone above and below the glenoid cavity that provide muscle attachment sites for the biceps brachii and triceps brachii
  • Scapular neck - the portion of the scapula that extends toward the glenoid cavity
  • Spine of the scapula - prominent ridge of bone that separates the posterior scapula into superior and inferior portions
  • Acromion process - projects laterally; it is a continuation of the spine of the scapula
  • Suprascapular notch - a small indentation in the superior border medial to the coracoid process
  • Superior transverse ligament - closes off this notch superiorly to create a foramen through which the suprascapular nerve traverses.
    • Calcification of the superior transverse ligament can compress the suprascapular nerve and impair innervation to the posterior scapular muscles
  • The scapula articulates with the acromial end of the clavicle and the head of the humerus (upper arm).