glenoideuminontoon

The glenoid cavity, also known as the glenoid fossa, is a shallow, oval-shaped depression located on the lateral aspect of the scapula. It forms the socket of the glenohumeral joint, commonly referred to as the shoulder joint. The glenoid cavity articulates with the head of the humerus, the upper arm bone. Its shallow nature allows for a wide range of motion at the shoulder, but also makes the joint inherently unstable compared to other ball-and-socket joints in the body.

Surrounding the rim of the glenoid cavity is a fibrocartilaginous structure called the glenoid labrum. The labrum deepens the socket slightly, increasing its congruity with the humeral head and contributing to the stability of the shoulder joint. It also serves as an attachment site for the long head of the biceps brachii tendon and several capsular ligaments, further enhancing stability.

The surface of the glenoid cavity is covered with articular cartilage, which provides a smooth, low-friction surface for movement between the bones. This cartilage is avascular and aneural, meaning it receives nutrients from the synovial fluid within the joint capsule and does not have a direct nerve supply. Damage to the articular cartilage of the glenoid cavity can lead to pain, stiffness, and osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint.