scapula

(noun)

either of the two large, flat, bones forming the back of the shoulder

Related Terms

Examples of scapula in the following topics:

  • Scapula

    • The scapula, or shoulder bone, is a flat, roughly triangle-shaped bone that connects to the humerus and the clavicle.
    • The scapula, or shoulder blade, is a flat triangular bone located to the posterior of the shoulder.
    • The scapula articulates with the clavicle trhough the acromion process, a large projection located superiorly on the scapula forming the acromioclavicular joint.
    • The lateral border is the thickest border of the scapula and extends downwards from the glenoid cavity.
    • Four muscles attach to the medial border of the scapula.

  • Muscles of the Shoulder

    • It attaches to the clavicle and scapula.
    • Actions – The superior region supports the arm and elevates and rotates the scapula, the intermediate region retracts the scapula and the inferior region rotates and depresses the scapula.
    • Levator Scapulae – A small strap like muscle that joins the neck to the scapula.
    • Attachments – Originates from the spine in the upper back and attaches to the scapula in an inferior positon to the levator scapulae attachment.
    • Rhomboid Minor – Sits between the rhomboid major, with which it is paired in action and function, and levator scapulae and functions to retract and rotate the scapula.

  • Posterior Muscles

    • It attaches to the clavicle and scapula.
    • Actions – The superior region supports the arm and elevates and rotates the scapula, the intermediate region retracts the scapula and the inferior region rotates and depresses the scapula.
    • Levator Scapulae – A small strap like muscle that joins the neck to the scapula.
    • Attachments – Originates from the spine in the upper back and attaches to the scapula in an inferior positon to the levator scapulae attachment.
    • Rhomboid Minor – Sits between the rhomboid major, with which it is paired in action and function, and levator scapulae and functions to retract and rotate the scapula.

  • Clavicle

    • The clavicle or collar bone is a long, curved bone on the upper portion of the shoulder that connects with the scapula and the sternum.
    • The clavicle, or collarbone, is a slender s shaped bone which extends between the sternum and the scapula and is located directly above the first rib.
    • Laterally, the clavicle is flattened and attaches to the acromion process of the scapula forming the acromioclavicular joint.

  • Humerus (The Upper Arm)

    • Proximally it articulates with the scapula forming the shoulder joint, or glenohumeral joint.
    • The rounded humeral head projects medially and articulates with the glenoid cavity of the scapula.
    • The humerus attaches proximally to the scapula (shoulderblade) at the humeral head and distally with the radius and ulna (lower-arm bones) at the trochlea and capitulum, respectively.

  • Human Appendicular Skeleton

    • The scapulae are flat, triangular bones that are located at the back of the pectoral girdle.
    • The spine runs across the back of the scapula; it is a good example of a bony protrusion that facilitates a broad area of attachment for muscles to bone.
    • It articulates (joins) with the scapula at the shoulder and with the forearm at the elbow.
    • (a) The pectoral girdle in primates consists of the clavicles and scapulae.
    • (b) The posterior view reveals the spine of the scapula to which muscle attaches.

  • Clavicle Fracture

    • The lateral end connects at the acromion of the scapula which is referred to as the acromioclavicular joint.
    • The clavicle forms a slight S-shaped curve where it curves from the sternal end laterally and anteriorly for near half its length, then forming a posterior curve to the acromion of the scapula.

  • Gross Anatomy

    • These bones are expanded into broad, flat plates, as in the cranium (skull), ilium (pelvis), sternum, rib cage, sacrum, and scapula.

  • Accessory (XI) Nerve

    • The sternocleidomastoid muscle tilts and rotates the head, while the trapezius muscle has several actions on the scapula, including shoulder elevation and adduction of the scapula.

  • Anterior Muscles

    • Attachments – The pectoralis minor originates from the third to fifth ribs and attaches to the scapula.
    • Attachments – The muscle is formed of several strips each originating from the second to eight ribs, each of which attaches to the scapula.
    • Actions – Supports the scapula allowing for elevation of the upper arm.