The scapula, also known as the shoulder blade, is a bone that connects the shoulder to the upper arm. The spelling of this anatomical term is derived from Latin, where "scapula" means "shoulder blade." The IPA phonetic transcription for "scapula" is /ˈskæpjʊlə/, with the stressed syllable being the first one. The spelling of this word can be challenging because it contains a cluster of consonants, including "sc," "p," "l," and "b." However, with practice, the correct spelling of this word can be easily remembered.
The scapula, also commonly known as the shoulder blade, is a flat, triangular-shaped bone situated on the upper back of the human body. The term "scapula" is derived from the Latin word for shovel, due to its resemblance to a shovel or spade in shape. It is one of the two bones that make up the pectoral girdle, the other being the clavicle or collarbone.
The scapula is located on the posterior side of the body, specifically between the second and seventh ribs. It plays a vital role in the movement and stability of the shoulder joint. Its main function is to connect the humerus bone of the upper arm to the clavicle, allowing for smooth rotation and movement of the shoulder joint. Additionally, the scapula holds and protects various important structures, such as the muscles, blood vessels, and nerves, within its borders.
The scapula is relatively flat and thin, with three distinct borders: the superior border, which is the highest edge of the bone; the medial border, which is closest to the spine; and the lateral border, situated furthest from the spine. It also features prominent processes, including the acromion process, which articulates with the clavicle, and the glenoid cavity, a shallow concave area that serves as the socket for the humerus, forming the glenohumeral joint.