The scapula, or shoulder blade, is a triangular shaped bone which has a part known as the glenoid that provides the "socket" for the head of the humerus. The scapula serves as a site of attachment for many muscles around the shoulder, including the very important rotator cuff muscles. It sits on the chest wall but is quite mobile and moves on the ribs with almost all shoulder movements. This space where the scapula moves on the chest wall (thorax) is known as the scapulothoracic joint. It contributes a surprising amount to shoulder movement – for example, when we lift our arm so that our hand is being held directly up in the air, two thirds of this movement is achieved at the glenohumeral joint (true shoulder joint) and one third is achieved at the scapulothoracic joint.
More information on the Shoulder Joint.
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