The Shoulder Girdle and Glenohumeral Joint - Structure and Function

Question 1

state what the two major components of the shoulder girdle are

Answer 1

1. clavicle

2. scapula

Question 2

state the names, and types, of the three shoulder girdle joints

Answer 2

1. sternoclavicular - saddle joint
2. acromioclavicular - gliding joint
3. scapulothoracic - false/floating joint

Question 3

state the ‘clinical interest point’ about the scapula

Answer 3

The scapula is the only bony connection between the upper extremities and the trunk. Muscles are vital to the stability of the upper limb. If you dislocate/fracture your clavicle, you have an unstable shoulder

Question 4

what is the function of the shoulder girdle ?

Answer 4

provides effective positioning of the glenoid fossa to the scapula to ensure optimal movement of the humorous

Question 5

state what it is meant by the key term - glenohumeral joint

Answer 5

articulation between the spherical head of the humorous and the small shallow glenoid fossa of the scapula

Question 6

state 2 additional facts about the glenohumeral joint

Answer 6

1. a ball and socket joint with a large range of motion

2. primarily stabilised by ligaments and muscles

Question 7

state the 3 main glenohumeral ligaments

Answer 7

1. superior glenohumeral ligament
2. medial glenohumeral ligament
3. inferior glenohumeral ligament

Question 8

state the function of the - superior glenohumeral ligament

Answer 8

resists full adduction

Question 9

state the function of the - medial glenohumeral ligament

Answer 9

resists external rotation

Question 10

state the function of the - inferior glenohumeral ligament

Answer 10

resists adduction, internal and external rotation

Question 11

state the names of the 3 additional glenohumeral ligaments

Answer 11

1. coracoclavicular ligament
2. coracoacromial ligament
3. coracohumeral ligament

Question 12

what is the function of the coracoclavicular ligament ?

Answer 12

a stabiliser of the acromioclavicular joint

Question 13

what is the function of the coracoacromial ligament ?

Answer 13

forms a bridge over the top of the joint to protect the humeral head; binding the coracoid with the acromion

Question 14

what is the function of the coracohumeral ligament ? (2 points)

Answer 14

1. binds the coracoid process to the greater tubercle

2. resists extension, external rotation and extreme flexion

Question 15

state the names and functions of the muscles that provide stability at the glenohumeral joint

Answer 15

1. rotator cuffs (SITS) - the role is to maintain the humeral head in its optimal position
2. LH triceps - stabilise posterior and inferior
3. LH biceps - stabilise anterior and superior

Question 16

state the 4 shoulder girdle movement pairs

Answer 16

1. protraction and retraction
2. elevation and depression
3. lateral and medial rotation
4. anterior and posterior tilt

Question 17

state the joint, plane and axis at which the following moments operates in - protection and retraction

Answer 17

1. acromioclavicular and sternoclavicular joints
2. transverse plane
3. longitudinal axis

Question 18

state the joint, plane and axis at which the following moments operates in - elevation and depression

Answer 18

1. sternoclavicular joint
2. frontal plane
3. anteroposterior axis

Question 19

state the joint, plane and axis at which the following moments operates in - lateral and medial rotation

Answer 19

1. acromioclavicular joint
2. frontal plane
3. anteroposterior axis

Question 20

state the joint, plane and axis at which the following moments operates in - anterior and posterior tilt

Answer 20

1. acromioclavicular and sternoclavicular joints
2. sagittal plane
3. mediolateral axis

Question 21

state what it is meant by the key term - protraction

Answer 21

the movement of the scapula towards the chest wall

Question 22

state what it is meant by the key term - retraction

Answer 22

the movement of the scapula backwards, towards the spinal column

Question 23

state what it is meant by the key term - elevation

Answer 23

the scapula moves superiorly due to the elevation of the lateral end of the clavicle

Question 24

state what it is meant by the key term - depression

Answer 24

the return of the scapula from an elevated position

Question 25

state what it is meant by the key term - lateral rotation

Answer 25

the inferior angle of the scapula moves laterally, the clavicle acts like a strut, so the glenoid fossa is turned increasingly upward

Question 26

state what it is meant by the key term - medial rotation

Answer 26

the return of a scapula from a laterally rotated position

Question 27

state what it is meant by the key term - anterior/posterior tilt

Answer 27

movement that occurs towards the end of flexion/extension range of motion at the shoulder joint

Question 28

state 2 additional facts about protraction

Answer 28

1. allows the glenoid fossa to face forwards

2. usually accompanied by lateral rotation

Question 29

state an additional fact about lateral rotation

Answer 29

positions the glenoid fossa in a good position for arm movement by increasing the stability of the shoulder joint

Question 30

state the 3 anterior shoulder girdle muscles

Answer 30

1. pectoralis minor
2. serratus anterior
3. subclavicus

Question 31

state the 3 posterior shoulder girdle muscles

Answer 31

1. levator scapulae
2. rhomboids
3. trapezius

Question 32

state the 4 anterior glenohumeral muscles

Answer 32

1. pectoralis major
2. coracobrachialis
3. subscapularis
4. biceps brachii (LH)

Question 33

state the 2 posterior glenohumeral muscles

Answer 33

1. infraspinatus

2. teres minor

Question 34

state the 2 superior glenohumeral muscles

Answer 34

1. deltoid

2. supraspinatus

Question 35

state the 3 inferior glenohumeral muscles

Answer 35

1. latissimus dorsi
2. teres major
3. triceps brachii (LH)