Shoulder Anatomy | Written For Patients | Shoulder Pain

Understanding Shoulder Anatomy in Northamptonshire

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Understanding Shoulder Anatomy

Introduction to Shoulder Anatomy

The shoulder, renowned for its remarkable flexibility, facilitates a wide array of movements such as forward flexion, abduction, adduction, external and internal rotation, and 360-degree circumduction. This extensive mobility, however, renders it the most insecure joint in the body. Stability is primarily maintained by the supporting ligaments, muscles, and tendons.

shoulder anatomy skeletal structure humerus clavicle scapula highlighted

Bones of the Shoulder

The shoulder is a complex ball-and-socket joint comprising three primary bones: the humerus, scapula, and clavicle.

Humerus (Upper Arm Bone): The top end of the humerus forms the ball of the shoulder joint. This ball-like structure fits into the glenoid cavity of the scapula, allowing for a wide range of motion. The humerus is crucial for all arm movements, and any injury to this bone can significantly impact mobility and function.

Scapula (Shoulder Blade): This flat, triangular bone provides attachment points for muscles and ligaments that ensure the shoulder's stability and movement. The scapula is an anchor for numerous muscles that facilitate shoulder and arm movements.

Key Processes: The scapula includes four important processes:
- Acromion: Extends over the shoulder joint and connects with the clavicle to form the acromioclavicular joint.
- Spine: A prominent ridge running across the back of the scapula, dividing it into two regions.
- Coracoid Process: A hook-like structure that serves as an attachment point for muscles and ligaments.
- Glenoid Cavity: The shallow socket that receives the head of the humerus, forming the glenohumeral joint.

Clavicle (Collarbone): The S-shaped clavicle connects the scapula to the sternum, forming the acromioclavicular and sternoclavicular joints. It also protects vital nerves and blood vessels passing from the spine to the arms. The clavicle acts as a strut, maintaining the shoulder blade in a position where it can function effectively.

Anatomy of the scapula bone in the shoulder joint

Soft Tissues in the Shoulder

The articulating bones are cushioned by articular cartilage, which minimises friction and acts as a shock absorber. This smooth, white tissue covers the ends of the bones, allowing them to glide over each other without causing damage.

Additionally, the glenoid labrum, a ring of fibrous cartilage, enhances the glenoid cavity’s depth and surface area, securing the humeral head more effectively. The labrum acts like a suction cup to hold the ball of the joint in place, adding an extra layer of stability.

This is a picture of the Scapula (Shoulder Blade) highlighting the Glenoid and the Glenoid Larbum

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The Shoulder Ligaments

Shoulder Ligaments

Ligaments are robust fibres that connect bones, contributing significantly to shoulder stability:

Coracoclavicular Ligaments: These ligaments are essential for stabilising the clavicle and preventing dislocation of the acromioclavicular joint. They consist of two parts: the conoid and trapezoid ligaments.

Acromioclavicular Ligament: This ligament strengthens the acromioclavicular joint, helping to maintain the alignment of the clavicle and the scapula.

Coracoacromial Ligament: This ligament forms an arch over the shoulder joint, protecting the humeral head and rotator cuff tendons from direct trauma.

Glenohumeral Ligaments: A set of three ligaments (superior, middle, and inferior) that form a capsule around the shoulder joint, preventing dislocation and ensuring stability. These ligaments are critical in maintaining the shoulder’s range of motion while preventing excessive movement that could lead to injury.

This is a picture of the major shoulder ligaments. The Acromioclavicular Ligament, The Trapezoid Ligament, The Conoid Ligament, The Corocoacromial Ligament, The Corocohumeral Ligament and the Glenohumeral Ligaments

Shoulder Muscles and Tendons

The rotator cuff, consisting of four muscles (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis), forms a sleeve around the shoulder joint, providing stability and facilitating movement. These muscles work together to keep the humeral head cantered in the glenoid cavity during arm movements.

Deltoid Muscle: The deltoid, the largest and strongest muscle in the shoulder, covers the rotator cuff and is responsible for lifting the arm and giving the shoulder its rounded shape. It plays a vital role in abduction, flexion, and extension of the shoulder.

Biceps Tendons: Two tendons (long head and short head) connect the bicep muscle to the shoulder, allowing for flexion and supination of the forearm.

Rotator Cuff Tendons: These four tendons (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis) attach the humerus to the rotator cuff muscles, ensuring stability and mobility. They are crucial for maintaining shoulder stability during dynamic movements.

This is a picture showing the muscels of the rotator cuff and other related structures. This includes the Supraspinatus, The Infraspinatus, The Subscapularis, The Teres Minor, The Long & Short Head of the Bicepts Brachii

The Nerves and Blood Flow

Nerves, which transmit signals between the brain and muscles, pass through the shoulder from the neck, forming the brachial plexus. This network of nerves controls muscle movements and sensations in the shoulder, arm, and hand.

Major Nerves: The brachial plexus branches into several major nerves, including the musculocutaneous, axillary, radial, ulnar, and median nerves, which innervate different parts of the arm and hand.

This is a picture of the major nerves of the upper limb. this includes the Musculocutaneous Nerve, the Radial Nerve, the Ulnar Nerve and the Median Nerve

Blood Supply: Oxygenated blood is supplied to the shoulder region by the subclavian artery, which becomes the axillary artery in the armpit and the brachial artery down the arm. These arteries ensure that muscles receive the oxygen and nutrients needed for optimal function.

Veins: Key veins include the axillary vein, which drains into the subclavian vein; the cephalic vein, which runs along the upper arm; and the basilic vein, located near the triceps muscle. These veins are responsible for returning de-oxygenated blood to the heart for purification.

This is a picture of the major blood vessels in the upper limb. The Subclavian Artery, Subcalavian Vein, Axillary Artery, Axiallry Vein, Brachial Artery, Cephalic Vein, Brachial Vein and Basilic Vein.

Summary

For residents experiencing shoulder pain in Northampton, understanding the shoulder’s anatomy can provide insights into potential injuries and the importance of seeking professional care. Our physiotherapy services in Northampton are designed to address various shoulder issues, offering treatments like sports massage in Northampton and specialised shoulder physiotherapy.

At Chris Heywood Physio, we recognise the frustrations with long NHS waiting lists. Our expert shoulder specialists in Northampton are ready to provide immediate and effective care.

Book your appointment at Team Rehab uk in Northampton (Brixworth) or Corby, and take the first step towards a pain-free life. Share this information with friends or family who might benefit from our services, and let's help everyone get back to their best selves.

Other related pages you may find interesting or helpful

Shoulder impingement, also known as swimmer's shoulder, tennis shoulder, or rotator cuff tendinitis, occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff become inflamed or irritated.

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a painful and debilitating condition characterised by stiffness and limited range of motion in the shoulder joint.

A rotator cuff tear occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff are damaged or torn. This can happen suddenly due to trauma or gradually from degeneration and ageing.

Shoulder instability is a prevalent condition that affects the most flexible joint in the human body. This joint's extraordinary range of motion, which allows us to perform various activities, also makes it susceptible to instability.

A clavicle fracture, commonly known as a broken collarbone, is a prevalent injury that significantly impacts the shoulder's function.

A mid humeral fracture is a break in the humerus bone that occurs between the shoulder and elbow joints. The humerus is the long bone of the upper arm, which connects the shoulder to the elbow.

A biceps tendon rupture is a significant injury affecting the biceps muscle, located at the front of your upper arm. This muscle plays a crucial role in bending (flexing) and rotating (supinating) your arm.

Intra-articular shoulder injections are a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat pain and improve shoulder mobility. These injections can be performed with the guidance of ultrasound or fluoroscopic imaging, which allows the consultant to precisely target the intra-articular space.

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