Scapula
Scapula
Scapula (pronounced: /ˈskæpjʊlə/), also known as the shoulder blade, is a flat, triangular bone located in the upper back that connects the humerus (upper arm bone) to the clavicle (collar bone).
Etymology
The term "scapula" is derived from the Latin word 'scapulae', which means 'shoulders'. The word was first used in English in the 1570s.
Anatomy
The scapula is a complex bone that has two surfaces, three borders, and three angles. It serves as the site of attachment for a total of 18 muscles, which provide the shoulder with a wide range of motion. The scapula is also involved in the formation of the shoulder joint, where it articulates with the humerus and clavicle.
Surfaces
The scapula has two surfaces: the costal (anterior) surface and the dorsal (posterior) surface. The costal surface is concave and is directed medially and forward, while the dorsal surface is convex and directed laterally and backward.
Borders
The scapula has three borders: the superior border, the lateral border, and the medial border. The superior border is the shortest and thinnest; the lateral border is the thickest, and the medial border is the longest.
Angles
The scapula has three angles: the superior angle, the inferior angle, and the lateral angle. The superior angle is covered by the trapezius muscle, the inferior angle is the lowest part of the scapula, and the lateral angle is the thickest part of the scapula.
Related Terms
- Humerus: The bone of the upper arm or forelimb, forming joints at the shoulder and the elbow.
- Clavicle: Also known as the collarbone, it is a long bone that serves as a strut between the shoulder blade and the sternum or breastbone.
- Shoulder joint: A ball and socket joint between the scapula and the humerus.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Scapula
- Wikipedia's article - Scapula
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