Osteology and Arthrology of the Upper Extremities

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering the bones, features, joints, and ligaments of the upper extremities based on lecture notes.

Pectoral Girdle

A bony ring formed by the scapula, clavicle, and manubrium.

Cervico-axillary canal

A passage between the neck and arm formed by the clavicle, scapula, and $1^{st}$ rib that protects the neurovascular bundle.

Conoid tubercle

A feature near the acromial end of the clavicle that provides support for the medial part of the coracoclavicular ligament.

Trapezoid line

A feature on the inferior surface of the clavicle that supports the lateral part of the coracoclavicular ligament.

Clavicle Inflection Point

The junction between the medial $2/3^{rds}$ and lateral $1/3^{rd}$ of the clavicle; it is the weakest point and most prone to fractures.

Acromion

The lateral continuation of the spine of the scapula.

Glenoid cavity

A superolaterally located cavity on the scapula that receives and articulates with the head of the humerus.

Suprascapular notch

A junction on the superior border of the scapula converted into a foramen by the superior transverse ligament for the passage of the suprascapular nerve.

Surgical neck (Humerus)

A narrow part distal to the head and tubercles of the humerus; it is a common site of fracture and is where the axillary nerve wraps around.

Intertubercular groove

A groove located between the greater and lesser tubercles of the humerus that provides passage for the tendon of the long head of the biceps muscle.

Radial groove

An oblique demarcation on the posterior side of the humerus containing the radial nerve and deep artery of the arm.

Capitulum

The lateral articular surface of the distal humerus that articulates with the head of the radius.

Trochlea

The medial articular surface of the distal humerus that articulates with the ulna.

Olecranon

The superior, most proximal portion of the ulna that articulates with the olecranon fossa of the humerus.

Interosseous membrane

A thin fibrous membrane with oblique fibers running inferiorly and medially from the radius to the ulna.

Scaphoid

The largest bone in the proximal row of the carpus which articulates with the radius.

Hamate

A distal carpal bone articulating with the $4^{th}$ and $5^{th}$ metacarpals, featuring a hook-like extension anteriorly.

Sternoclavicular joint

The only articulation between the axial skeleton and the upper extremity; it is a saddle type of synovial joint.

Acromioclavicular joint

A plane type of synovial joint articulating the acromial end of the clavicle and the acromion of the scapula.

Glenohumeral joint

A ball and socket type of synovial joint where the glenoid cavity receives less than $\frac{1}{3}$ of the head of the humerus.

Rotator cuff muscles

A group of muscles that maintain the head of the humerus in the glenoid cavity; includes the Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres minor, and Subscapularis.

Annular ligament

A ligament that encircles the radial head to hold it against the radial notch of the ulna, allowing for pronation and supination.

Subacromial bursa

A bursa located between the acromion and the supraspinatus tendon that does NOT communicate with the joint capsule.

Subscapular bursa

A bursa located between the subscapularis tendon and the neck of the scapula that communicates with the glenohumeral joint cavity.