104 



SCAPULA. 



Fig. 50. 



base of the coracoid process, is the supra-scapular notch, for the trans 

 mission of the supra-scapular nerve. 



The inferior or axillary border is thick, and marked by several grooves 

 and depressions ; it terminates superiorly at the glenoid cavity, and infe- 

 riorly at the inferior angle. Immediately below the glenoid cavity is a 

 rough ridge, which gives origin to the long head of the triceps muscle 

 Upon the posterior surface of the border is a depression for the teres mi- 

 nor ; and upon its anterior surface a deeper groove for the teres major ; 

 near the inferior angle is a projecting lip, which increases the surface of 

 origin of the latter muscle. 



The posterior border, or base, the longest of the three, is turned towards 

 the vertebral column. It is intermediate in thickness between the supe- 

 rior and inferior, and convex, being considerably inflected outwards 

 towards the superior angle. 



The anterior angle is the thickest part of the bone, and forms the head 

 of the scapula ; it is immediately surrounded by a constricted portion, the 



neck. The head presents a shallow pyriform 

 articular surface, the glenoid cavity, having 

 the pointed extremity upwards ; and at its 

 apex is a rough depression, w r hich gives at- 

 tachment to the long tendon of the biceps. 

 The superior angle is thin and pointed. 

 The inferior angle is thick, and smooth upon 

 the external surface for the origin of the teres 

 major and for a large bursa over which the 

 upper border of the latissimus dorsi muscle 

 plays. 



The spine of the scapula, triangular in 

 form, crosses the upper part of its dorsum ; 

 it commences at the posterior border by a 

 smooth triangular surface over which the 

 trapezius glides upon a bursa, and terminates 

 at the point of the shoulder in the acromion 

 process. The upper border of the spine is 

 rough and subcutaneous, and gives attach- 

 ment by two projecting lips to the trapezius and deltoid muscles ; the sur- 

 faces of the spine enter into the formation of the supra and infra-spinous 

 fossae. The nutritious foramina of the scapula are situated in the base of 

 the spine. 



The acromion is somewhat triangular and flattened from above down- 

 wards ; it overhangs the glenoid cavity, the upper surface being rough 

 and subcutaneous, the lower smooth and corresponding w r ith the shoulder- 

 joint. Near its extremity, upon the anterior border, is an oval articular 

 surface, for the end of the clavicle. 



The coracoid process is a thick, round, and curved process of bone, 

 arising from the upper part of the neck of the scapula, and over arching 



* A posterior view of the scapula. 1. The supra-spinous fossa. 2. The infra-spinous 

 fossa. 3. The superior border. 4. The supra-scapular notch. 5. The anterior or axil- 

 lary border. 6. The head of the scapula and glenoid cavity. 7. The inferior angle. 

 8. The neck of the scapula, the ridge opposite the number gives origin to the long head 

 of the triceps. 0. The posterior border or base of the scapula. 10. The spine. 11. The 

 triangular smooth surface, over which the tendon of the trapezius glides. 12. The aero 

 mion process. 13. One of the nutritious foramina. 14. The caracoid process. 



