Anatomy Notes on Scapula, Clavicle, Humerus, Radius, Ulna, Pelvis, and Lower Limbs

Scapula Overview

  • Views of the Scapula:

  • Anterior View (Front): Less pronounced features.

  • Posterior View (Back): More structures visible.

  • Key Features:

  • Coracoid Process: A significant landmark used in naming ligaments.

  • Acromion Process: More flat and expanded, on the posterior side.

  • Glenoid Cavity/Fossa: Area for ball and socket joint.

  • Subscapular Fossa: Located beneath the scapula, resembles a flat surface.

  • Borders:

  • Medial Border: Faces the vertebrae.

  • Lateral Border: Faces outward.

  • Spine of the Scapula: A prominent ridge leading to the acromion, serves as a landmark for other structures.

  • Supraspinous Fossa: Above the spine of scapula.

  • Infraspinous Fossa: Below the spine of scapula.

  • Angles:

  • Superior Angle: Where the medial and lateral borders meet.

  • Inferior Angle: Bottom part of the scapula.

Clavicle Overview

  • Parts of the Clavicle:

  • Sternal End: Vertical side that articulates with the sternum.

  • Acromial End: Horizontal side that connects with the scapula.

  • Conoid Tubercle: A notable point on the undersurface.

  • Orientation: Rights and lefts can be determined by orientation and landmarks (e.g., conoid facing down).

  • Recognition Tip: The curve of the clavicle should face outward while the vertical end remains next to the sternum for correct positioning.

Humerus Overview

  • Anatomy of the Humerus:

  • Head: Round portion at the top, articulates with the glenoid fossa.

  • Epicondyles: Medial and lateral, located below the head.

  • Neck: Anatomical neck and surgical neck defined.

  • Greater/Lesser Tubercle: Projections on the side of the head.

  • Deltoid Tuberosity: Rough area on the shaft for muscle attachment.

  • Condyles:

  • Capitulum: Round part on the lateral side.

  • Trochlea: Pulley-like structure.

  • Surface Features:

  • Coronoid Fossa: Depression in the front for articulation with the ulna.

  • Olecranon Fossa: Larger depression on the back.

  • Positioning: To determine right or left, head must face medial and olecranon fossa must be posterior.

Radius and Ulna Overview

  • Radius:

  • Head: Round top connects with the humerus.

  • Radial Tuberosity: Area for muscle attachment (e.g., biceps).

  • Styloid Process: Point at the distal end of the radius, used for pulse detection.

  • Ulna:

  • Coronoid Process: Fits into the coronoid fossa of the humerus.

  • Trochlear Notch: Articulation area with the humerus.

  • Styloid Process: Located at the distal end of the ulna.

  • Ligaments: Interosseous Membrane connects the radius and ulna, stabilizing the two bones.

Hand and Fingers Overview

  • Carpal Bones: Mnemonic for remembering order, e.g., "Some Lovers Try Positions That They Can't Handle" for (Scaphoid, Lunate, Triquetrum, Pisiform, Trapezium, Trapezoid, Capitate, Hamate).

  • Digits:

  • Metacarpals: Numbered from lateral to medial (I to V). Numbering starts with the thumb.

  • Phalanges: Each finger has three segments; the thumb (Pollex) has two (proximal and distal). Other fingers: proximal, middle, and distal phalanges.

Pelvic Girdle Overview

  • Os Coxa (Hip Bone): Formed by three fused parts: Ilium, Ischium, and Pubis.

  • Landmarks:

  • Iliac Crest: Prominent ridge.

  • Iliac Spines: Anterior superior and inferior, posterior superior and inferior.

  • Ischial Tuberosity: Supports weight while sitting.

  • Acetabulum: Socket for the femur head.

  • Obturator Foramen: Large opening in the pelvis.

  • Male vs Female Pelvis: Differences in shape and size, pelvic inlet is narrower in males.

Upper and Lower Limbs Overview

  • Femur Anatomy:

  • Head: Articulates with the acetabulum of the hip.

  • Trochanters: Greater and lesser trochanters for muscle attachment.

  • Condyles: Lateral and medial condyle at the distal end.

  • Tibia and Fibula:

  • Tibia: Medial malleolus at the ankle, tibial tuberosity for muscle attachment.

  • Fibula: Smaller, primarily for muscle attachment; ends in a lateral malleolus.

  • Anatomical Positioning: Medial malleolus should face inwards to determine left vs. right tibia.

Tarsals and Foot Overview

  • Bones of the Foot:
  • Tarsals: Major bones include calcaneus (heel) and talus (ankle joint).
  • Metatarsals: Numbered from the big toe to the pinky (I-V).
  • Phalanges: Similar to the hands; big toe (Hallux) has two, others have three segments.
  • Mnemonic for Tarsals: "Tiger Cubs Need Milks" helps in remembering (Talus, Calcaneus, Cuboid, Navicular, Cuneiforms).