Scapula or Shoulder Blade - Anterior or Front View
The scapula is a flat, roughly triangular shaped bone. It forms the back of the shoulder girdle. The top of the scapula is attached to the clavicle by ligaments. The outer side of the scapula connects with the humerus bone of the upper arm.
The primary function of the scapula is to attach the upper arm to the thorax, or trunk of the body. This connection stabilizes the arm and provides for arm movement at the shoulder.
The scapula, clavicle and humerus which make up the shoulder are inter-connected through a series of muscles, ligaments and tendons. Rotator cuff muscles connect the scapula to the head of the humerus bone forming the shoulder joint. This is a ball and socket type joint and is one of the most flexible joints in the body. It allows you to raise, lower, push, pull and rotate your arm. |
