Scapula: Anterior view (English)

The scapula is a triangular bone with three borders (superior, lateral and medial) and three angles (superior, inferior and lateral).The anterior surface of the scapula leans against the 2nd–7th ribs on the posterolateral aspect of the thorax, and is therefore also known as the costal surface of the scapula. The majority of the concave anterior surface of the scapula is occupied by the large subscapular fossa, which provides an attachment point for the subscapularis muscle. The superior border of the scapula is marked by a bony indentation known as the scapular notch. The scapular notch allows for the passage of the suprascapular nerve and therefore may also be referred to as the suprascapular notch. Protruding from the superior border of the scapula is the hook-like projection known as the coracoid process. This structure allows for the attachment of various muscles and ligaments. The lateral surface of the scapula contains the neck of scapula, which extends to form the glenoid fossa. The shallow glenoid fossa articulates with the humeral head to form the highly dynamic but resultantly unstable glenohumeral joint. Superior and inferior to the glenoid fossa are the supra- and infraglenoid tubercles, respectively. These act as important attachment points for the long head of the biceps and triceps brachii muscles.