glenoidhålan

Glenoidhålan, in Norwegian anatomical terminology, refers to the glenoid cavity (also called the glenoid fossa), a shallow articular depression on the scapula that forms the socket of the shoulder joint with the head of the humerus. It is a central component of the glenohumeral joint, enabling the wide range of motion of the upper limb.

Anatomy: The glenoid cavity is located on the lateral aspect of the scapula and is pear-shaped, oriented anterolaterally. Its articular surface is covered by hyaline cartilage and is deepened by the glenoid labrum, a fibrocartilaginous rim that increases the socket area and joint stability. The superior, anterior, and inferior borders serve as attachments for the joint capsule and ligaments, while the supraglenoid and infraglenoid tubercles mark muscle tendon attachments (long head of the biceps at the supraglenoid tubercle and the triceps at the infraglenoid tubercle). The glenoid labrum and surrounding capsule are reinforced by the rotator cuff tendons.

Function: The glenoid cavity, together with the humeral head, forms a ball-and-socket joint that permits multi-axial movement of the shoulder. Stability is provided by the labrum, ligaments, joint capsule, and rotator cuff muscles, compensating for the socket’s relatively shallow depth.

Clinical relevance: A shallow glenoid predisposes to anterior shoulder dislocations. Common pathologies include labral tears (such as SLAP lesions), glenoid bone loss, and degenerative changes leading to osteoarthritis or instability.

Etymology and terminology: The term glenoidhålan is the Norwegian name for the glenoid cavity; in English, the terms glenoid cavity or glenoid fossa are used.