Upper Girdle Bones and Features

Overview

This lecture introduces the bones and features of the upper girdle in the appendicular skeleton, focusing on the clavicle and scapula.

Introduction to the Appendicular Skeleton

• The appendicular skeleton includes the upper and lower limbs and their girdles.
• Upper girdle consists of the clavicle (collarbone) and scapula (shoulder blade).

Clavicle (Collarbone)

• The clavicle is an S-shaped bone known as the collarbone.
• It connects the upper limb to the trunk.

Scapula (Shoulder Blade)

• The scapula is commonly called the shoulder blade.
• A prominent ridge on the scapula is called the spine.
• The acromion process is a projection extending from the spine.
• The coracoid process is another projection on the scapula.
• The glenoid cavity is where the humerus (upper arm bone) attaches.
• The glenoid cavity faces laterally (away from the body).
• The edge near the glenoid cavity is called the lateral border.
• The opposite edge is the medial border.
• The suprascapular notch is a small notch at the top of the scapula.
• The area above the spine is the supraspinous fossa.
• The area below the spine is the infraspinous fossa.

Key Terms & Definitions

• Appendicular skeleton — bones of the limbs and their girdles.
• Clavicle — S-shaped collarbone, part of the upper girdle.
• Scapula — shoulder blade bone of the upper girdle.
• Spine (of scapula) — ridge on the posterior aspect of the scapula.
• Acromion process — projection from the scapula's spine.
• Coracoid process — projection from the scapula, distinct from the acromion.
• Glenoid cavity — depression where the humerus attaches to the scapula.
• Lateral border — edge of the scapula facing away from the body.
• Medial border — edge of the scapula closest to the spine.
• Suprascapular notch — notch at the top of the scapula.
• Supraspinous fossa — area above the scapular spine.
• Infraspinous fossa — area below the scapular spine.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Review labeled diagrams of the clavicle and scapula.
• Learn to identify each bone feature on physical or model bones.