Scapula Flashcards
What is the scapula also known as?
The shoulder blade
What does the scapula articulate with?
The humerus
The clavicle
Where does the scapula articulate with the humerus?
At the glenohumeral joint
Where does the scapula articulate with the clavicle?
At the acromioclavicular joint
What does the scapula connect?
The upper limb to the trunk
What shape is the scapula?
Triangular, flat
What does the scapula act as?
The site of attachment for 17 muscles
What is the anterior surface of the scapula termed?
Costal
Why is the anterior surface termed costal?
Because it’s the side facing the ribcage
What does the costal surface of the scapula covering most of its surface?
A concave depression, called the subscapular fossa
What originates from the subscapular fossa?
The subscapularis muscle
What is the subscapular fossa?
One of the rotator cuff muscles
What originates from the superolateral surface of the costal scapula?
The coracoid process
What is the corocoid process?
A hook-like projection
Where does the coracoid process lie?
Just under the clavicle
Why is the coracoid process significant?
The short head of the biceps brachii and pectoralis minor attach here
The coracobrachialis muscle originates from this projection
What does the lateral surface of the scapula face?
The humerus
What is the lateral surface of the scapula the site of?
The glenohumeral joint
Various muscle attachments
What is the glenoid fossa?
A shallow cavity
What is the purpose of the glenoid fossa?
It articulates with the humerus to form the glenohumeral joint
What part of the lateral surface of the scapula is important clinically?
The superior part
Why is the superior part of the lateral surface of the scapula important clinically?
As it articulates with the humerus to make up the shoulder joint, or glenohumeral joint
What is the supraglenoid tubercle?
A roughening immediately superior to the glenoid fossa
What is the importance of the supraglenoid tubercle?
It is the place of attachment of the long head of the biceps brachii
What is the infraglenoid tubercle?
A roughening immediately inferior to the glenoid fossa
What is the importance of the infraglenoid tubercle?
It is the place of attachment of the long head of the triceps brachii
Where does the posterior surface of the scapula face?
Outwards
What is the posterior surface of the scapula the site of?
The majority of the rotator cuff muscles in the shoulder
What is the most prominent feature of the posterior surface of the scapula?
The spine
What does the spine do?
Runs transversely across the scapula, dividing the surface in two
What is the area below the spine of the scapula called?
Infraspinous fossa
What does the infraspinous fossa display?
A convex shape
What originates from the infraspinous fossa?
The infraspinatus muscle
What is the area above the spine of the scapula called?
Supraspinous fossa
How does the supraspinous fossa differ from the infraspinous?
It is much smaller, and more convex is shape
What originates from the supraspinous fossa?
The supraspinatus muscle
What is acromion?
A projection of the spine that arches over the glenohumeral joint
What does the acromion articulate with?
The clavicle
What is the clinical relevance of the scapula?
Fractures of the scapula
Winged scapula
How common are fractures of the scapula?
Relatively uncommon
What are fractures of the scapula an indication of?
Severe chest trauma
Where are fractures of the scapula frequently seen?
High speed road collisions, crushing injuries, or sports injuries
Does the fractured scapula require intervention?
Not much
Why does the fracture of the scapula not require much intervention?
As the tone of the muscles holds the pieces in place for healing to occur
What muscle is involved in winging of the scapula?
The serratus anterior
Where does the serratus anterior muscle originate from?
Ribs 2-8
What does the serratus anterior attach too?
The costal surface of the scapula, pulling it against the rib cage
What innervates the serratus anterior?
The long thoracic nerve
What happens if the long thoracic nerve gets damaged?
The scapula protrudes out of the back when pushing with the arm
How can the long thoracic nerve become damaged?
By trauma to the shoulder, repetitive movements involving the shoulder, or by structures becoming inflamed and pressing on the nerve
