Escápulas

Escápulas, commonly known as shoulder blades, are two large, triangular flat bones located on the posterior aspect of the thorax, overlying the ribs. They connect the humerus (upper arm bone) with the clavicle (collarbone). Each escápula plays a crucial role in shoulder movement and stability, allowing for a wide range of arm motion.

The escápula has several prominent features. The spine of the escápula is a large ridge that runs diagonally across its posterior surface, dividing it into the supraspinous fossa and infraspinous fossa above and below, respectively. These fossae serve as attachment points for muscles of the rotator cuff. The acromion is a bony projection that extends from the spine of the escápula, forming the highest point of the shoulder and articulating with the clavicle to create the acromioclavicular joint. The coracoid process is a hook-like projection on the anterior aspect of the escápula, providing attachment for various muscles and ligaments. The glenoid cavity, a shallow, pear-shaped depression on the lateral angle of the escápula, articulates with the head of the humerus to form the glenohumeral joint, the primary joint of the shoulder. This complex structure allows for the remarkable mobility of the arm.