JARGON BUSTER
Humerus
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Definition: The long bone in the upper arm that connects the shoulder to the elbow. The top end of the humerus forms the ball of the shoulder joint, allowing for a wide range of motion.
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Example: The humerus is crucial for all arm movements, and any injury to this bone can significantly impact mobility and function.
Scapula
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Definition: Also known as the shoulder blade, this flat, triangular bone provides attachment points for muscles and ligaments that ensure the shoulder's stability and movement.
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Example: The scapula is an anchor for numerous muscles that facilitate shoulder and arm movements.
Clavicle
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Definition: Commonly known as the collarbone, the clavicle connects the scapula to the sternum, forming the acromioclavicular and sternoclavicular joints. It acts as a strut to maintain shoulder alignment.
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Example: The clavicle protects vital nerves and blood vessels passing from the spine to the arms.
Rotator Cuff
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Definition: A group of four muscles (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis) that form a sleeve around the shoulder joint, providing stability and facilitating movement.
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Example: The rotator cuff is essential for maintaining shoulder stability during dynamic movements like lifting or rotating the arm.
Glenoid Cavity
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Definition: The shallow socket in the scapula that receives the head of the humerus, forming the glenohumeral joint.
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Example: The glenoid cavity is crucial for shoulder joint stability, allowing the humerus to fit securely.
Labrum
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Definition: A ring of fibrous cartilage that enhances the depth and surface area of the glenoid cavity, securing the humeral head more effectively.
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Example: The labrum acts like a suction cup to hold the ball of the shoulder joint in place, adding an extra layer of stability.
Bursa
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Definition: A fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between tissues, such as between the rotator cuff and the acromion in the shoulder.
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Example: Inflammation of the bursa, known as bursitis, can lead to painful shoulder impingement.
Acromion
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definition: A bony process on the scapula that forms the highest point of the shoulder and connects with the clavicle to form the acromioclavicular joint.
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Example: The acromion plays a significant role in shoulder stability and can be a site for bone spurs, leading to impingement.
Deltoid Muscle
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Definition: The largest and strongest muscle in the shoulder, responsible for lifting the arm and giving the shoulder its rounded shape.
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Example: The deltoid muscle is vital for abduction, flexion, and extension of the shoulder.
Supraspinatus
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Definition: One of the four rotator cuff muscles, responsible for lifting the arm and stabilizing the shoulder.
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Example: The supraspinatus is often involved in rotator cuff tears, leading to shoulder pain and weakness.
Infraspinatus
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Definition: A rotator cuff muscle that helps in the external rotation of the shoulder.
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Example: Injury to the infraspinatus can impair the ability to rotate the arm outward.
Teres Minor
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Definition: A rotator cuff muscle involved in the external rotation of the shoulder.
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Example: The teres minor works in conjunction with the infraspinatus to rotate the arm.
Subscapularis
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Definition: The largest and strongest of the rotator cuff muscles, responsible for internal rotation of the shoulder.
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Example: The subscapularis is critical for movements like reaching across the body.
Brachial Plexus
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Definition: A network of nerves that originate from the neck and control muscle movements and sensations in the shoulder, arm, and hand.
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Example: Injury to the brachial plexus can lead to significant weakness or paralysis in the arm.
Acromioclavicular Joint
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Definition: The joint at the top of the shoulder, where the acromion of the scapula meets the clavicle.
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Example: The acromioclavicular joint is a common site for arthritis and injuries like sprains.
Glenohumeral Ligaments
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Definition: A set of three ligaments (superior, middle, and inferior) that form a capsule around the shoulder joint, preventing dislocation and ensuring stability.
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Example: The glenohumeral ligaments are crucial in maintaining the shoulder’s range of motion while preventing excessive movement.
Sternoclavicular Joint
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Definition: The joint where the clavicle meets the sternum, allowing for movement and stability of the shoulder.
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Example: Injuries to the sternoclavicular joint can cause pain and restrict shoulder movement.
Arthroscopy
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Definition: A minimally invasive surgical procedure used to examine and repair the inside of a joint using a small camera and instruments.
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Example: Shoulder arthroscopy is commonly used to repair rotator cuff tears or remove bone spurs.
Orthopedic
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Definition: Pertaining to the branch of medicine dealing with the correction of deformities or functional impairments of the skeletal system, especially the spine, joints, and muscles.
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Example: An orthopedic surgeon might perform surgery to repair a fractured clavicle.
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