Scapula

Summary

In this educational video, Dr. Morton, a noted anatomist, explores the scapula, also known as the shoulder blade. He covers its primary bony landmarks, including the medial and lateral borders, the subscapular fossa, acromion, spine, and coracoid process. The video explains the significance of these features, such as the acromioclavicular joint's role in arm mobility and muscle attachments. Dr. Morton also highlights the importance of understanding these landmarks for comprehending muscle names and functions, making it an informative resource for students of anatomy.

Takeaways

• 📌 The scapula, also known as the shoulder blade, is a flat and irregularly shaped bone that resembles a shovel.
• 🔍 The medial border of the scapula is also called the vertebral border, being the side closest to the vertical column of the body.
• 📍 The lateral border of the scapula is near the armpit and is referred to as the axillary border.
• 🏞️ The subscapular fossa is a shallow concave surface on the deep surface of the scapula, adjacent to the ribs, and is also known as the costal surface.
• 🏛️ The acromion is the highest point of the shoulder, analogous to the Acropolis in Athens, Greece, and forms the acromioclavicular joint with the clavicle.
• ⛰ The spine of the scapula is a ridge-like structure on the posterior part of the scapula, with the trapezius and deltoid muscles attaching to it.
• 🏋️‍♂️ The supraspinous and infraspinous fossae are shallow concave surfaces located above and below the spine of the scapula, respectively.
• 🤸‍♀️ The glenoid cavity, or glenoid fossa, is a shallow smooth structure on the side of the scapula that forms a ball-and-socket joint with the head of the humerus.
• 🦅 The coracoid process is a beak-like projection on the anterior surface of the scapula, important for muscle attachment.
• 🧍‍♂️ The scapula's bony landmarks are crucial for understanding muscle attachments and movements of the shoulder.

Q & A

What is the scapula also known as?

The scapula is also known as the shoulder blade.

What are the two borders of the scapula mentioned in the script?

The two borders of the scapula mentioned are the medial border (also called the vertebral border) and the lateral border (also called the axillary border).

What is the term for the shallow concave surface on the deep surface of the scapula?

The term for the shallow concave surface on the deep surface of the scapula is the subscapular fossa.

What does the prefix 'sub' mean in the context of 'subscapular fossa'?

The prefix 'sub' means deep, as in a submarine going deep into the water, hence 'subscapular fossa' refers to the deep surface of the scapula.

What is the highest point of the shoulder called?

The highest point of the shoulder is called the acromion, derived from the Greek word 'akron' meaning highest or summit.

What joint is formed between the acromion and the clavicle?

The joint formed between the acromion and the clavicle is called the acromioclavicular joint, often abbreviated as the AC joint.

What is the significance of the acromioclavicular joint in terms of arm movement?

The acromioclavicular joint is significant because it allows for the movement of the arm up and down, providing the necessary mobility.

What is the term for the spiny-like structure along the back of the scapula?

The term for the spiny-like structure along the back of the scapula is the spine of the scapula.

What muscles are associated with the supraspinous and infraspinous fossae?

The supraspinatus muscle is associated with the supraspinous fossa, and the infraspinatus muscle is associated with the infraspinous fossa.

What is the term for the socket on the side of the scapula that articulates with the head of the humerus?

The term for the socket on the side of the scapula that articulates with the head of the humerus is the glenoid cavity, also referred to as the glenoid fossa.

What is the term for the bony prominence above the glenoid cavity?

The term for the bony prominence above the glenoid cavity is the supraglenoid tubercle.

What is the term for the bony prominence below the glenoid cavity?

The term for the bony prominence below the glenoid cavity is the infraglenioid tubercle.

What is the term for the bony landmark that looks like a raven's beak?

The term for the bony landmark that looks like a raven's beak is the coracoid process.

What is the term for the notch on the top of the scapula?

The term for the notch on the top of the scapula is the suprascapular notch.

Outlines

00:00

🦴 Understanding the Scapula: Bony Landmarks and Their Significance

Dr. Morton, a noted anatomist, introduces the scapula, commonly known as the shoulder blade. The scapula is a flat, irregularly shaped bone resembling a shovel. Key bony landmarks include the medial border (vertebral border), the lateral border (axillary border), and the subscapular fossa, which is a shallow concave surface on the deep surface of the scapula, also known as the costal surface. The subscapularis muscle originates from this fossa. The video also covers the acromion, the highest point of the shoulder, named after the Acropolis in Athens, Greece, which signifies its prominence. The acromion forms the acromioclavicular joint with the clavicle, crucial for arm movement. The spine of the scapula is a ridge on the posterior portion, with muscles like the trapezius and deltoid attaching to it for support and movement. Other landmarks include the supraspinous and infraspinous fossae, named for their positions relative to the spine, and the muscles that occupy these areas, the supraspinatus and infraspinatus, respectively.

05:00

💪 Deep Dive into Scapular Landmarks and Muscular Attachments

This segment continues the exploration of the scapula, focusing on the glenoid cavity or fossa, a shallow socket that forms a ball-and-socket joint with the humerus. The video explains the naming of the supraglenoid and infraglenioid tubercles, which are bony prominences above and below the glenoid cavity, respectively. These serve as attachment points for the long head of the biceps brachii and the long head of the triceps brachii muscles. The coracoid process, named for its raven's beak-like appearance, is highlighted as an important site for muscle attachment, including the pectoralis minor, the short head of the biceps, and the coracobrachialis. The suprascapular notch is mentioned, along with the suprascapular ligament, artery, and nerve that pass through it. The video concludes with a quiz to reinforce the understanding of these landmarks and their muscular attachments, emphasizing the practical application of anatomical knowledge.

Keywords

💡Scapula

The scapula, also known as the shoulder blade, is a flat, irregularly shaped bone that forms part of the shoulder girdle. It plays a crucial role in the movement and stability of the upper limb. In the video, Dr. Morton discusses the scapula's bony landmarks, emphasizing its importance in understanding upper body anatomy and function.

💡Medial Border

The medial border of the scapula is the side closest to the body's vertical column. It is also referred to as the vertebral border. This border is significant as it is the attachment site for various muscles and ligaments, contributing to the scapula's stability and movement.

💡Lateral Border

The lateral border of the scapula is the side closest to the armpit, also known as the axillary border. This border is important for understanding the scapula's position relative to the body and its interaction with the arm during movement.

💡Subscapular Fossa

The subscapular fossa is a shallow concave surface on the deep surface of the scapula, adjacent to the ribs. It is named for its location, with 'sub' meaning deep. This fossa is significant as it is the origin of the subscapularis muscle, which plays a role in shoulder movement.

💡Acromion

The acromion is the highest point of the shoulder, derived from the Greek 'akron' for highest and 'omion' for shoulder. It is a bony projection that forms the lateral end of the scapula and articulates with the clavicle at the acromioclavicular joint, which is essential for arm movement.

💡Spinous Process

The spinous process of the scapula is a ridge-like structure on the posterior part of the bone. It is an important landmark for muscle attachments, particularly for the trapezius and deltoid muscles, which are crucial for scapular and arm movement.

💡Supraspinous Fossa

The supraspinous fossa is a shallow concave surface located above the spine of the scapula. It is named for its position superior to the spine. This fossa is the site of attachment for the supraspinatus muscle, which is part of the rotator cuff and critical for shoulder stability and movement.

💡Infraspinous Fossa

The infraspinous fossa is the fossa located below the spine of the scapula. It is significant as it houses the infraspinatus muscle, another component of the rotator cuff, which contributes to shoulder external rotation and stability.

💡Glenoid Cavity

The glenoid cavity, also known as the glenoid fossa, is a shallow, smooth, socket-like structure on the lateral side of the scapula. It articulates with the head of the humerus to form the glenohumeral joint, which is the primary joint of the shoulder and allows for a wide range of motion.

💡Supraglenoid Tubercle

The supraglenoid tubercle is a bony prominence located above the glenoid cavity. It is an attachment site for the long head of the biceps brachii muscle. This tubercle is significant in understanding the muscular connections of the shoulder joint.

💡Coracoid Process

The coracoid process is a beak-like projection on the anterior aspect of the scapula. It is named for its resemblance to a raven's beak in Greek, 'korakos'. This process serves as an attachment site for several muscles, including the pectoralis minor and biceps brachii, and is an important landmark for shoulder anatomy.

Highlights

The scapula, also known as the shoulder blade, is a flat and irregularly shaped bone.

The medial border of the scapula is also referred to as the vertebral border, being closest to the vertical column.

The lateral border of the scapula is near the armpit and is called the axillary border.

The subscapular fossa is a shallow concave surface on the deep surface of the scapula, also known as the costal surface.

The subscapularis muscle originates from the subscapular fossa.

The acromion is the highest point of the shoulder, similar to the Acropolis being the highest part of a city.

The acromioclavicular joint is where the clavicle articulates with the scapula, allowing arm movement.

The spine of the scapula is a ridge along the back of the scapula, with the trapezius and deltoid muscles attaching to it.

The supraspinous fossa is the shallow concave surface above the spine of the scapula.

The infraspinous fossa is the concave surface below the spine of the scapula.

The supraspinatus muscle is located in the supraspinous fossa.

The infraspinatus muscle is in the infraspinous fossa.

Knowing bony landmarks helps understand muscle names, as seen with the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles.

The glenoid cavity, also known as the glenoid fossa, is a shallow structure on the side of the scapula that articulates with the humerus.

The supraglenoid tubercle is a bony prominence above the glenoid cavity, where the long head of the biceps brachii attaches.

The infraglennoid tubercle is below the glenoid cavity, where the long head of the triceps brachii muscle attaches.

The coracoid process resembles a raven's beak and is a landmark for muscle attachment.

The suprascapular notch is at the top of the scapula, with the suprascapular ligament and nerve passing through.

Transcripts

all right let's talk about the scapula

and answer the questions what is the

scapula what are its primary bony

landmarks

and what are some reasons to learn about

it hello everyone my name is dr morton

and i am the noted anatomist so to begin

with the scapula is also known as

the shoulder blade so if we now take a

look at the surface anatomy we see these

two

bones that are flat and irregularly

shaped that kind of look like a shovel

so the scapula has the following bony

landmarks that we're going to cover now

all right so let's get started so

anonymous said what do we call this

border of the scapula

well it's on the medial side of the bone

so

let's call it the medial border of the

scapula it's also the border

that is closest to the vertical column

so we'll also call it the

vertebral border what about this one

what about this border

well it's on the lateral side of the

bone so why don't we call it the

lateral border of the scapula it's also

the border that's close to your armpit

so we'll call it the axillary border

as well so the next one is going to be

seen

in this superior view of the right

shoulder and that

fossa is what anatomists wanted to name

and a fossa is a shallow concave surface

and they said well what do we call it

well it's on the deep surface of the

scapula

right against the rib so why don't we

call it the subscapular fossa the prefix

sub means deep like a submarine goes

deep to the water

subscapular fossa is the deep surface of

the scapula

and so here in its anterior view it

looks like

that that shallow concave surface on the

anterior surface of the scapula

and here we have the subscapular fossa

and we can see it

right against the ribs so it's also

called the costal surface

of the scapula but subscapular fossa is

was usually used

and anatomist said well what do we name

this muscle that's coming from

the subscapular fossa and they said i

know

we'll call it the subscapularis muscle

to talk about the next structure let's

take a look at this picture of

athens in greece this beautiful ancient

city

and on the outskirts of the city is xin

they call it the acropolis and it got

its name because in greek

the prefix akron means highest or the

summit

and polis means city which basically

means it's the highest part of the city

and here's a picture of celine and i

circa 2011 in athens and why am i

showing this

only because it looks really cool and it

was 11 years ago for me right now

i was thinner and this is before covert

when we were traveling that's it

and i also got a chance to go by mars

hill that was fantastic

all right so here we've got an anterior

view

of that structure and an atom has said

well what do we call that structure

well it's the highest point of the

shoulder

and so they said what is the word for

highest well in greek it's across

what is for shoulder it's almost so they

called it

the acromion the point

the highest point of the shoulder is

where it got its name

just like the acropolis and so there is

the acromion

in this anterior view and then there is

the acromion

on the posterior view of the scapula and

so

when we're looking as a bird's eye view

that's this

flat surface and it's quite large that

is the acromion

and the acromion also articulates with

the clavicle and so between the acromion

and clavicle is a joint

and so they called this joint the

acromioclavicular

joint abbreviated ac joint it's a

synovial plane joint

and this is really important because

this is the strut joint where the

clavicle articulates with the scapula

and it allows you to move your arm up

and down

and the clavicle and scapula label to

move that so your arm gets so much

mobility the next structure is this one

all along the back of this ridge of the

posterior

portion of the scapula and then adam

said what did we call this spiny-like

structure this spine all along the back

of the scapula

and they thought this is easy we'll just

call it the spine or spine of the

scapula

and it's important because that spine of

the scapula has

the trapezius muscle that anchors to it

to help give support to the scapula and

move it

as well as the deltoid that anchors to

it that helps to move the humerus

and in surface anatomy that's what the

spine of the scapula looks like it's

just kind of funny because out of all

the pictures this is the one that i

found it's pretty cool looking

alright so there's the spine of the

scapula next anatomy said well what do

we call this fossa

above the spine a fossa is a shallow

concave surface

so this fossa is on the back of the

scapula but above the spine so they

called it the

supraspinous fossa literally meaning

the the fossa superior to the spine

and what about this one well this fossa

is below the spine

so they called it the infraspinous fossa

the fossa below the spine and so

there's the spine of the scapula and

they said well here's a muscle that is

in the

super spinous fossa what do we call it i

know

the supraspinatus muscle well what do we

call this muscle

in the uh infraspinous fossa they called

it the

infraspinatus this is the benefit of

being able to know

the names of the bony landmarks because

if you know bony landmarks it helps to

get an idea of why muscles get their

names

so here in this anterior view of the

scapula there's this socket

on the side it's called a socket because

it articulates with this ball

the head of the humerus and they go like

this they come together and they make a

ball and socket joint so an anatomist

then said well what do we call this

structure this shallow smooth structure

on the side of the scapula they said

why don't we call it the socket well

what socket in greek well it's glenoid

so this is called the glenoid cavity

but because it's not very deep it's more

shallow they call it the glenoid

fossa as well and glenoid fossa and

cavity both go together

now this tubercle that's above the

glenoid cavity

like what do we call that well it's

called the tubercle above the glenoid

cavity

supraglenoid tubercle and a tubercle is

a bony

prominence for usually a muscle or

ligament attachment

and the supraglenoid tubercle

articulates or attaches for the long

head of the biceps brachii muscle

right there and so what about this

tubercle

below the glenoid cavity well let's call

it the tubercle below the glenoid cavity

the infra glenoid tubercle and this is

important because this is the landmark

or this is the bony prominence where the

long head of the triceps brachii muscle

attaches what about this process a

process is a bony landmark a bony sticky

audi if you will

what do we call this anatomy said you

know what

that kind of looks like a raven's beak

or a crow's beak and what is that in

greek

it's coracoid so they call this the

coracoid

process and this coracoid process is

important for

muscle attachment in fact three muscles

are pectoralis minor

and short head of the biceps muscle and

the coracobrachialis

all have attachments to the coracoid

process

and in surface anatomy it's a good

landmark to be able to palpate you find

the clavicle

and it's right below the lateral third

so it's right there

is where the coracoid process is in

surface anatomy

so now let's go to this notch well what

do we call this notch well it's on the

top of the scapula so why don't we call

it the

suprascapular notch so there it looks

like in an anterior and there is the

posterior anterior and posterior

and on the suprascapular notch we have a

ligament called the suprascapular

ligament that goes across so you have

the suprascapular artery that goes above

the ligament

and then through this newly formed

foramen we have the

suprascapular nerve there we have a

posterior view

and there's a lateral view posterior

lateral posterior lateral and let's take

that lateral view and blow it up and

let's do a little quizzing shall we

what do you call this border on the

lateral side

it's the lateral border well what do we

call this

fossa on the lateral surface that

articulates with the head of the humerus

so it's a socket

so it's called the glenoid cavity or

glenoid fossa

well what about this bony sticky audi

that looks like a crow's beak oh what

was crow's beak oh that's right

coracoid process well what about this

surface the anterior surface it's a

fossa

and it touches the ribs subscapular

fossa

what about this bony prominence it's the

highest part of the shoulder remember

acropolis

this is the acromion and what about this

bony ridge it's a spine they call it the

spine of the scapula and then this

shallow concave surface above the spine

supraspinous fossa and the shallow

concave surface below

infraspinous fossa and that my friend

is the scapula in a nutshell

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