Scapula
Updates to Article Attributes
The scapula (plural: scapulae) is a roughly triangular shaped bone with several projections connecting the humerus to the clavicle.
Gross anatomy
Osteology
The main part of the scapula, the body, consists of a somewhat triangular-shaped flat blade, with an inferiorly pointing apex, referred to as the inferior angle as well as lateral and superior angles. The scapula is described as having superior, medial, and lateral borders.
Posteriorly, the scapula is divided into a supraspinous fossa and infraspinous fossa by the scapular spine. Anteriorly, on the costal surface, is the shallow subscapular fossa.
Laterally is the glenoid fossa, anteriorly is the coracoid process and superiorly is the acromion that is continuous with the scapular spine and arcs anteriorly over the humeral head. The suprascapular notch lies immediately medial to the base of the coracoid process. The spinoglenoid notch lies posteriorly behind the neck.
Articulations
- coracoid process: clavicle (forming the acromioclavicular joint)
- glenoid cavity: humeral head (forming the glenohumeral joint)
Attachments
Musculotendinous
- supraspinous fossa: supraspinatus muscle
- infraspinous fossa: infraspinatus muscle, teres minor muscle
- subscapular fossa: subscapularis muscle, serratus anterior
- acromion: acromial part of deltoid muscle, trapezius
- scapular spine: spinous part of deltoid muscle, trapezius
- lateral border (margo lateralis): teres minor muscle, teres major muscle
- vertebral border (posterior): levator scapulae, rhomboid minor muscle, rhomboid major muscle
- inferior angle: teres major muscle, latissimus dorsi (small slip)
- supraglenoid tubercle: long head of biceps muscle
- infraglenoid tubercle: long head of triceps muscle
Ligamentous
- transverse scapular ligament: crosses suprascapular notch, with the suprascapular nerve below (within the resulting foramen) and the suprascapular vessels above
- coracoacromial ligament
- coracoclavicular ligament
- coracohumeral ligament
- glenohumeral ligaments: upper, middle, and lower bands
- acromioclavicular ligament (weak)
Blood Supply
The scapula is a site of arterial anastomosis between many arteries. This aims to ensure an adequate supply of blood to the upper limb, but has added benefit of adequate supply to the bone itself.
- suprascapular artery
- dorsal scapular artery
- branches of subscapular artery (i.e. circumflex scapular artery)
Variant anatomy
Development
See "ossification centres of the pectoral girdle" for information on the scapular ossification centres.
Related pathology
-</ul><h4>Variant anatomy</h4><ul><li><a href="/articles/sprengel-deformity">Sprengel deformity</a></li></ul><h4>Development</h4><p><span style="line-height:20.7999992370605px">See "</span><a style="line-height: 20.7999992370605px;" href="/articles/ossification-centres-of-the-pectoral-girdle">ossification centres of the pectoral girdle</a><span style="line-height:20.7999992370605px">" for information on the scapular ossification centres.</span></p><h4>Related pathology</h4><ul>- +</ul><h4>Variant anatomy</h4><ul><li><a href="/articles/sprengel-deformity">Sprengel deformity</a></li></ul><h4>Development</h4><p>See "<a href="/articles/ossification-centres-of-the-pectoral-girdle">ossification centres of the pectoral girdle</a>" for information on the scapular ossification centres.</p><h4>Related pathology</h4><ul>
Image 1 Diagram (Frontal) ( create )
Image 2 Diagram (Lateral) ( create )
Image 3 Diagram ( create )
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