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The scapula, or shoulder blade, is a bone in the upper back that is surrounded and supported by a complex system of muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It is not a muscle itself, but it is connected to many muscles that allow it to perform a wide range of movements. These include the serratus anterior, the upper trapezius, the middle trapezius, the lower trapezius, the levator scapulae, and the rhomboids. The scapula is a critical component of the shoulder joint, allowing for a wide range of motion in the arm and shoulder.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Description | The scapula is a thick, flat, triangular-shaped bone |
| Location | Upper back, on the thoracic wall |
| Function | The scapula is a site of attachment for many muscles and has several processes, projections, and surfaces for attachment |
| Muscles | Levator scapulae, Rhomboids, Serratus anterior, Upper trapezius, Middle trapezius, Lower trapezius, Coracobrachialis, Pectoralis minor, Biceps brachii, Triceps, Deltoid, Latissimus dorsi, Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres major, Teres minor, Subscapularis, Acromion, Rotator cuff muscles |
| Tendons | 12 tendons are connected to the scapula |
| Ligaments | Connected to 6 ligaments |
| Nerves | Connected to 2 nerves |
| Joints | Acromioclavicular joint, Glenohumeral joint, Scapulothoracic joint, Sternoclavicular joint |
| Injuries | Shoulder sprains, dislocated shoulders, separated shoulders, shoulder fractures, shoulder impingement syndrome, shoulder arthritis, shoulder bursitis, scapular winging, scapular dyskinesis |
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What You'll Learn
The scapula is a bone, not a muscle
The scapula has two surfaces, three borders, three angles, and three processes. The front of the scapula, known as the costal or ventral surface, has a broad concavity called the subscapular fossa, to which the subscapularis muscle attaches. The medial two-thirds of the fossa have three longitudinal oblique ridges, providing attachment points for tendinous insertions. The back of the scapula, or the dorsal or posterior surface, is arched and subdivided into two unequal parts by the spine of the scapula.
The scapula's stability depends on the surrounding musculature, with several muscles attaching directly to it. These include the levator scapulae, the teres major, the rhomboids major and minor, the serratus anterior, the subscapularis, the infraspinatus, the supraspinatus, and the trapezius. The muscles that attach to the scapula are essential for the proper movement of the arms and shoulders.
The scapula is also connected to other bones, including the clavicle (collarbone) and the humerus (upper arm bone). The acromioclavicular joint connects the scapula to the clavicle, while the glenohumeral joint connects the scapula to the humerus, forming the shoulder joint. This joint allows for a full range of motion for the arm, with the scapula moving in coordination with the clavicle and humerus.
In summary, the scapula is a bone that serves as an important structural and functional component of the shoulder and arm, providing attachment sites for muscles, tendons, and ligaments, and enabling a wide range of movements.
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Muscles attached to the scapula
The scapula, or shoulder blade, is a flat, triangular bone located at the back of the trunk. It is part of the shoulder joint, connecting the humerus to the clavicle. The scapula is a site of attachment for many muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
The scapula has three angles—superior/medial, lateral, and inferior—three borders—medial, lateral/axillary, and superior—and two surfaces—ventral and dorsal. The lateral angle of the scapula features the glenoid cavity, where the humeral head articulates with the scapula. The glenoid cavity is also referred to as the glenoid fossa or glenoid labrum. The glenoid fossa is an indention that makes up the back of the shoulder socket. The scapula's stability is dependent on the surrounding musculature, with several muscles that attach directly to the scapula.
The levator scapulae attaches at the superior angle of the scapula, while the teres major attaches at the inferior angle. The rhomboids major and minor attach to the medial border of the scapula, while the serratus anterior attaches to the medial margin. The subscapularis originates on the anterior surface of the scapula, also known as the subscapular fossa. The infraspinatus attaches to the posterior surface, also known as the infraspinous fossa. The superior portion of the posterior side is also known as the supraspinous fossa, and the supraspinatus attaches here. The four rotator cuff muscles include the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, and teres minor. These four muscles form a musculotendinous cuff around the glenohumeral joint and provide muscular support to the joint.
The deltoid arises from the lower border of the crest of the spine and from the lateral border of the acromion. The latissimus dorsi lower fibres originate from the inferior angle of the scapula. The trapezius is inserted into the upper border of the crest of the spine and into the medial border of the acromion. The long head of the biceps brachii arises from the supraglenoid tubercle, and the short head arises from the lateral part of the tip of the coracoid process. The long head of the triceps arises from the infraglenoid tubercle.
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Shoulder injuries and the scapula
The scapula, or shoulder blade, is a flat, triangular-shaped bone located in the upper back, forming part of the shoulder joint. It is surrounded and supported by a complex system of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves that allow for a wide range of motion in the shoulder. While it is rare to injure the scapula in isolation, shoulder injuries can often involve damage to the scapula.
Shoulder injuries are common due to the joint's complexity and constant use in daily activities. The most common signs of a shoulder injury include pain, bruising or discolouration, and decreased range of motion. In the case of scapular injuries, one may also experience symptoms associated with “winged scapula” or "scapular dyskinesis", where the shoulder blade sticks out or appears out of place compared to the unaffected side.
Shoulder injuries that can damage the scapula include sprains, dislocations, separations, and fractures. Fractures of the scapula are very rare and typically only occur during severe traumas such as car accidents or falls from significant heights. Other health conditions affecting the shoulder and scapula include impingement syndrome, arthritis, bursitis, and scapular winging.
Scapular disorders or injuries are typically treated with physical therapy, focusing on strengthening and stretching the muscles surrounding the shoulder and scapula. In some cases, surgery may be required to repair or reconstruct injured tissues, followed by rehabilitation to restore the normal motion and position of the scapula. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can also be used to manage pain and swelling.
To diagnose scapular injuries, a doctor will perform a physical examination, observing the scapula from behind and comparing it to the unaffected side. They may ask the patient to move their arms to check for weakness or abnormal motion patterns. Imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs may also be ordered to detect bony abnormalities or injuries to other parts of the shoulder.
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Scapular dyskinesis
The scapula, or shoulder blade, is a flat, triangular-shaped bone located in the upper thoracic region on the dorsal surface of the rib cage. It is connected to more than a dozen muscles, tendons, and ligaments, which allow for a wide range of motion in the shoulder.
The symptoms of scapular dyskinesis include pain and/or tenderness around the scapula, a snapping or popping sensation during shoulder movement, and loss of strength in the shoulder and arm. These changes can increase the risk of future shoulder pain and the chances of injury.
Initial treatment for scapular dyskinesis includes medication and ice to relieve pain, stretching and strengthening exercises, and modifying the activities that caused the problem. Rehabilitation exercises with a physical therapist or athletic trainer are often recommended, and therapy may last from 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the severity of the injury.
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The scapula's shape and location
The scapula, or shoulder blade, is a flat, thin, triangular-shaped bone placed on the postero-lateral aspect of the thoracic cage. It is located in the upper thoracic region on the dorsal surface of the rib cage, with one scapula on each side of the chest. The scapula is one of three bones that make up the shoulder joint, connecting the humerus (upper arm bone) to the clavicle (collarbone).
The scapula has two surfaces: the costal surface, which is the front side facing the rib cage, and the posterior (inferior) surface, which is the rear side facing the back. The posterior surface includes the spine (apex), which forms the top of the shoulder blade, and the acromion, which moves with the clavicle during shoulder movement. The scapula also has three borders (medial, lateral/axillary, and superior), three angles (superior/medial, lateral, and inferior), and three processes: the acromion, the spine, and the coracoid process.
The scapula's lateral surface, or its outside edge pointing toward the humerus, includes several anatomical features. These include the glenoid fossa, an indentation that forms the back of the shoulder socket, and the superglenoid tubercle, where the biceps muscle attaches. The scapula's costal surface, meanwhile, has a slightly indented cup called the subscapular fossa, which supports one of the rotator cuff muscles. The coracoid process, a small, hooked bump under the clavicle, anchors three muscles.
The scapula's stability is dependent on the surrounding musculature, with several muscles, ligaments, and other soft-tissue structures attaching directly to it. These attachments include the levator scapulae at the superior angle, the teres major at the inferior angle, the rhomboids major and minor at the medial border, and the serratus anterior at the medial margin. The scapula also has areas for the attachment of intrinsic, extrinsic, and stabilizing and rotating muscles. The intrinsic muscles, or the muscles of the rotator cuff, include the subscapularis, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor. These muscles attach to the surface of the scapula and enable the internal and external rotation of the shoulder joint.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the scapula is a bone.
The scapula is commonly known as the shoulder blade.
The scapula forms part of the shoulder joint and serves as an anchor for many of the arm, upper back, and shoulder muscles.
The muscles attached to the scapula include the levator scapulae, rhomboids, serratus anterior, upper trapezius, middle trapezius, lower trapezius, and more.
When the scapula is injured or dysfunctional, it can lead to a condition called scapular dyskinesis, which affects the normal movement of the scapula and the associated muscles. Treatment options include physical therapy, corrective maneuvers, and in some cases, surgery.
