Introduction to Upper Limb Anatomy – Shoulder Girdle & Proximal Bones

60 vocabulary-style flashcards summarizing anatomical terms, bony landmarks, joints, ligaments, and clinical notes from the lecture on upper-limb (shoulder girdle and proximal bones) anatomy.

Describe the upper limb, including its attachment point and primary divisions.

The upper limb is a body part attached to the lateral lower neck. It is divided into four main regions: the shoulder, arm, forearm, and hand.

What anatomical region defines the shoulder?

The shoulder region is the area where the upper limb attaches to the trunk and neck.

Which part of the upper limb lies between the shoulder and elbow joint?

The arm is the part of the upper limb situated between the shoulder and the elbow joint.

What segment of the upper limb is located between the elbow and wrist joints?

The forearm is the segment between the elbow and wrist joints.

What portion of the upper limb is distal to the wrist joint?

The hand is the portion of the upper limb distal to the wrist joint.

Describe the Axilla's anatomical location and its functional significance.

The Axilla is a pyramidal transition space found between the neck/shoulder and the arm. It serves as a crucial passage for major vessels and nerves.

Identify and describe the anatomical features and significance of the Cubital fossa.

The Cubital fossa is a triangular depression found on the anterior aspect of the elbow. It functions as a major neurovascular gateway facilitating the passage of nerves and vessels between the arm and forearm.

Explain the anatomical structure and primary function of the Carpal tunnel.

The Carpal tunnel is an osteofibrous passage on the palmar side of the wrist that guides the median nerve and flexor tendons into the hand.

What bones form the Pectoral (shoulder) girdle and what is its function?

The Pectoral (shoulder) girdle is formed by the clavicle and scapula, creating a bony ring that attaches the upper limb to the axial skeleton.

Describe the Clavicle's shape, its unique connection, and a key physical characteristic.

The Clavicle is an S-shaped bone that serves as the only bony connection between the upper limb and the trunk. It is palpable along its entire length.

Which part of the clavicle articulates with the manubrium, forming the sternoclavicular joint?

The Sternal end of the clavicle is the enlarged triangular medial end that articulates with the manubrium at the sternoclavicular joint.

What is the flattened lateral end of the clavicle that articulates with the acromion?

The Acromial end of the clavicle is the flattened lateral end articulating with the acromion at the acromioclavicular joint.

Where is the Conoid tubercle located and what attaches to it?

The Conoid tubercle is a posteroinferior prominence near the acromial end of the clavicle, serving as an attachment point for the conoid ligament.

What is the ridged line on the inferior clavicle that provides attachment for the trapezoid ligament?

The Trapezoid line is a ridged line on the inferior clavicle for the attachment of the trapezoid ligament.

Describe the Subclavian groove's location and what muscle attaches there.

The Subclavian groove is a longitudinal groove found on the inferior medial third of the clavicle, providing space for the subclavius muscle.

What is the rough medial-inferior clavicular area that binds the first rib to the clavicle?

The Impression for the costoclavicular ligament is a rough medial-inferior clavicular area binding the first rib to the clavicle.

Which strong ligament, composed of two parts, suspends the scapula from the clavicle?

The Coracoclavicular ligament is a strong ligament, comprising conoid and trapezoid parts, that suspends the scapula from the clavicle.

Describe the Sternoclavicular joint, including its type and significance.

The Sternoclavicular joint is a synovial articulation between the clavicle and manubrium. It is the only skeletal link between the upper limb and the trunk.

What type of joint is the Acromioclavicular joint and what bones does it connect?

The Acromioclavicular joint is a plane synovial joint located between the acromion and the clavicle.

How does the clavicle vary among individuals, particularly in manual workers and between sides of the body?

The clavicle is typically thicker and more curved in manual workers, with the right side usually being thicker and shorter.

At what specific site is the clavicle most prone to fracture?

The most common Clavicle fracture site is the junction of its middle and lateral thirds, which is the bone’s weakest region.

Describe the unique ossification process of the Clavicle, including its ossification onset and full fusion timeline.

The Clavicle is the first long bone to ossify, beginning at 5–6 embryonic weeks. Its secondary center at the sternal end fuses between 18–25 years, and it is the last epiphysis to fully fuse, typically between 25–31 years.

What is the Scapula and where is it located?

The Scapula is a triangular flat bone located on the posterolateral thorax, typically spanning ribs 2–7, forming what is commonly known as the shoulder blade.

Name the angles that define the corners of the scapula.

The corners of the scapula are defined by the Superior, lateral, and inferior angles.

Which borders outline the scapula?

The Scapula is outlined by its Superior, medial (also known as vertebral), and lateral (also known as axillary) borders.

Describe the Spine of the scapula and what it divides.

The Spine of the scapula is a prominent posterior ridge that divides the supraspinous and infraspinous fossae. It continues laterally as the acromion.

What is the Acromion and what bone does it articulate with?

The Acromion is a flat lateral expansion of the scapular spine that articulates with the clavicle.

Describe the Coracoid process and its function.

The Coracoid process is a hook-like, anterolateral projection of the scapula resembling a bent finger, serving as a significant attachment point for muscles and ligaments.

Which notch on the superior border of the scapula transmits the suprascapular nerve?

The Suprascapular notch is an indentation on the superior border of the scapula that transmits the suprascapular nerve.

Describe the Glenoid cavity and its role in forming a joint.

The Glenoid cavity is a shallow oval fossa ( \approx 4 \times 2 \text{–}3 \text{ cm} ) that receives the humeral head to form the glenohumeral joint.

What is the constricted area of the scapula between the glenoid cavity and the body?

The Neck of the scapula is the constricted area between the glenoid cavity (head) and the body of the scapula.

Which posterior scapular fossa is superior to the spine and serves as the origin for the supraspinatus muscle?

The Supraspinous fossa is a small posterior scapular fossa located superior to the spine, serving as the origin of the supraspinatus muscle.

What is the large posterior fossa inferior to the spine that serves as the origin for the infraspinatus muscle?

The Infraspinous fossa is a large posterior fossa inferior to the spine, which is the origin of the infraspinatus muscle.

Which broad concave costal surface of the scapula houses the subscapularis muscle?

The Subscapular fossa is the broad concave costal surface of the scapula housing the subscapularis muscle.

What is the gap between the spine and glenoid allowing passage of suprascapular vessels and nerve?

The Greater scapular (spinoglenoid) notch is a gap between the spine and glenoid allowing passage of suprascapular vessels and nerve.

How far is the Vertebral (medial) border of the scapula typically located from the thoracic spinous processes?

The Vertebral (medial) border of the scapula is an edge approximately 5 \text{ cm} lateral to the thoracic spinous processes.

Describe the Axillary (lateral) border of the scapula.

The Axillary (lateral) border is a thick border of the scapula running superolaterally toward the glenoid; it is also called the axilla border.

What is a typical feature of a scapular fracture, and why is this often the case?

A Scapular fracture usually involves the exposed acromion, primarily because the rest of the scapula is well-protected by muscles and ribs.

Which is the largest bone of the upper limb, and what joints does it form?

The Humerus is the largest bone of the upper limb. It articulates with the scapula to form the shoulder joint and with the radius/ulna to form the elbow joint.

Describe the Head of the humerus and its articulation.

The Head of the humerus is the half-spherical proximal articular surface designed to fit into the glenoid cavity.

Where is the Anatomical neck of the humerus located?

The Anatomical neck of the humerus is a narrow groove located directly distal to the head, separating it from the greater and lesser tubercles.

What is the Surgical neck of the humerus, why is it significant clinically, and what neurovascular structures are related to it?

The Surgical neck is a weakened region of the humerus located distal to the tubercles. It is a common fracture site and is closely related to the axillary nerve and posterior circumflex humeral artery.

Describe the Greater tubercle of the humerus, including its location and the facets it bears.

The Greater tubercle is a lateral prominence on the humerus bearing superior (for supraspinatus), middle (for infraspinatus), and inferior (for teres minor) facets.

What is the Lesser tubercle of the humerus known for?

The Lesser tubercle is an anterior prominence on the humerus with an impression for the subscapularis muscle.

What is the alternative name for the Intertubercular sulcus and what structure passes through it?

The Intertubercular sulcus, also known as the bicipital groove, is located between the tubercles and transmits the long head of the biceps tendon.

Describe the Deltoid tuberosity and its function.

The Deltoid tuberosity is a V-shaped roughening found on the lateral mid-shaft of the humerus, serving as the insertion point for the deltoid muscle.

Which nerve and artery are housed within the Radial groove of the humerus?

The Radial groove is an oblique posterior groove housing the radial nerve and profunda brachii artery.

What is the Lateral supraepicondylar ridge and what attaches to it?

The Lateral supraepicondylar ridge is the expanded distal lateral border of the humerus, serving as an attachment for forearm extensor muscles.

What anatomical feature is the Medial supraepicondylar ridge a part of, and what does it lead to?

The Medial supraepicondylar ridge is the distal medial border of the humerus, which leads to the medial epicondyle.

Which rounded lateral condyle of the humerus articulates with the radial head?

The Capitulum is the rounded lateral condyle of the humerus that articulates with the radial head.

What is the pulley-shaped medial condyle of the humerus that articulates with the ulna?

The Trochlea is the pulley-shaped medial condyle of the humerus articulating with the ulna.

Identify the large medial projection on the humerus, its muscle attachment, and a significant nerve passing by it.

The Medial epicondyle is a large medial projection on the humerus. It serves as the origin for forearm flexor muscles, and the ulnar nerve passes posteriorly to it.

What is the smaller lateral projection on the humerus that serves as an origin for forearm extensors?

The Lateral epicondyle is a smaller lateral projection on the humerus, serving as the origin for forearm extensors.

Which anterior depression above the capitulum receives the radial head during elbow flexion?

The Radial fossa is an anterior depression located above the capitulum, which receives the radial head during flexion of the elbow.

What anterior depression above the trochlea accommodates the ulnar coronoid process during elbow flexion?

The Coronoid fossa is an anterior depression located above the trochlea, accommodating the ulnar coronoid process during flexion.

Which posterior depression above the trochlea provides space for the olecranon during elbow extension?

The Olecranon fossa is a posterior depression located above the trochlea, designed to accommodate the olecranon during extension of the elbow.

Which deep artery of the arm travels with the radial nerve in the radial groove?

The Profunda brachii artery is a deep artery of the arm that travels alongside the radial nerve within the radial groove.

Which vessel passes with the axillary nerve behind the surgical neck of the humerus into the deltoid region?

The Posterior circumflex humeral artery is a vessel that passes with the axillary nerve behind the surgical neck of the humerus into the deltoid region.

Name the four Rotator cuff muscles and describe their common attachment point.

The four Rotator cuff muscles are the Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres minor, and Subscapularis, all of which attach to the humeral tubercles.

Which medial component of the coracoclavicular ligament attaches to the conoid tubercle?

The Conoid ligament is the medial component of the coracoclavicular ligament that attaches to the conoid tubercle.

Trapezoid ligament

The Trapezoid ligament is the lateral component of the coracoclavicular ligament that attaches to the trapezoid line.