Shoulder Complex

Question 1

Name the bones associated with the shoulder complex.

Answer 1

The humorous, scapula, and clavicle are the 3 bones associated with the shoulder complex.

Question 2

Which articulation is considered the attachment between the upper extremity and thorax?

Answer 2

The sternoclavicular joint is the articulation that “connects” the upper extremity to the thorax.

Question 3

Name the joints of the shoulder complex and define which joints are “true” and which are “functional”.

Answer 3

The shoulder complex is made up of the glenohumeral joint, acromioclavicular joint, the sternoclavicular joint, and the scapulothoracic joint. The scapulothoracic joint is the only functional joint; this because there is no bony articulation between the scapula and thorax. The other joints are true joints because there is a bone to bone articulation between these joints.

Question 4

Which side of the scapula contains the spine of the scapula?

Answer 4

The spine of the scapula is located on the posterior surface and separates the supraspinous fossa from the infraspinous fossa.

Question 5

Name the movements of the scapulothoracic joint.

Answer 5

The scapulothoracic joint moves in multiple directions: protraction/retraction, elevation/depression, upward/downward rotation, tilting, and winging.

Question 6

Which joint does a shoulder separation occur?

Answer 6

A shoulder separation is a common way of indicating a sprain to the acromioclavicular joint/ligament.