Bony Landmark and Function of Scapula

Last updated: February 7, 2026Reviewed date: February 7, 2026Reading time: 12 min read

Patient Tools

Read, save, and share this guide

Use these quick tools to make this medical article easier to read, print, save, or share with a family member.

Article Summary

Bony Landmark and Function of Scapula/ Shoulder Blade is a flat, triangular-shaped bone that is known colloquially as the "shoulder blade." Its location is in the upper thoracic region on the dorsal surface of the rib cage. It connects with the humerus at the glenohumeral joint as well as the clavicle at the acromioclavicular joint to form the shoulder joint. In total, 17 different muscles...

Key Takeaways

This article explains Bony Landmark and Function of Scapula in simple medical language.
This article explains Borders of Scapula in simple medical language.
This article explains Angles of Scapula in simple medical language.
This article explains Processes of Scapula in simple medical language.

Educational health guideWritten for patient understanding and clinical awareness.

Reviewed content workflowUse writer and reviewer profiles for stronger trust.

Emergency safety firstUrgent warning signs are highlighted below.

Seek urgent medical care if you notice

These warning signs are general safety guidance. Local emergency numbers and clinical judgment should always come first.

Severe symptoms, breathing difficulty, fainting, confusion, or rapidly worsening illness.
New weakness, severe pain, high fever, or symptoms after a serious injury.
Any symptom that feels urgent, unusual, or unsafe for the patient.

Emergency now

Use emergency care for severe, sudden, rapidly worsening, or life-threatening symptoms.

See a doctor

Book a professional medical evaluation if symptoms persist, worsen, recur often, affect daily activities, or occur in a high-risk patient.

Learn safely

Use this article to understand possible causes, tests, treatment options, prevention, and questions to ask your clinician.

Bony Landmark and Function of Scapula/ Shoulder Blade is a flat, triangular-shaped bone that is known colloquially as the “shoulder blade.” Its location is in the upper thoracic region on the dorsal surface of the rib cage. It connects with the humerus at the glenohumeral joint as well as the clavicle at the acromioclavicular joint to form the shoulder joint. In total, 17 different muscles attach to the scapula, which makes it difficult to fracture.

Scapula, also called shoulder blade, either of two large bones of the shoulder girdle invertebrates. In humans, they are triangular and lie on the upper back between the levels of the second and eighth ribs. A scapula’s posterior surface is crossed obliquely by a prominent ridge, the spine, which divides the bone into two concave areas, the supraspinous and infraspinous fossae. The spine and fossae give attachment to muscles that act in rotating the arm. The spine ends in the acromion, a process that articulates with the clavicle, or collarbone, in front and helps form the upper part of the shoulder socket. The lateral apex of the triangle is broadened and presents a shallow cavity, the glenoid cavity, which articulates with the head of the bone of the upper arm, the humerus, to form the shoulder joint. Overhanging the glenoid cavity is a beaklike projection, the coracoid process, which completes the shoulder socket. To the margins of the scapula are attached muscles that aid in moving or fixing the shoulder as demanded by movements of the upper limb.

Bony Landmark and Function of Scapula

Surfaces Of Scapula

Costal Surface or Subscapular Fossa – It is concave and is directed medially and forwards. It is marked by 3 longitudinal ridges. A thick ridge adjoins the lateral border. This part of the bone is almost rod-like acts a lever for the action of serratus anterior in overhead abduction of the arm
Dorsal Surface – The prominent spine of scapula divides the surface into a smaller supraspinatus fossa and a larger infraspinatus fossa. The depth of the supraspinatus fossa is filled by the supraspinatus muscle.

Costal Surface

The costal (anterior) surface of the scapula faces the ribcage.

It contains a large concave depression over most of its surface, known as the subscapular fossa. The subscapularis (rotator cuff muscle) originates from this fossa.
Originating from the superolateral surface of the costal scapula is the coracoid process. It is a hook-like projection, which lies just underneath the clavicle. The pectoralis minor attaches here, while the coracobrachialis and biceps brachii (short head) muscles originates from this projection.

Lateral Surface

The lateral surface of the scapula faces the humerus. It is the site of the glenohumeral joint, and of various muscle attachments. Its important bony landmarks include:

Glenoid fossa – a shallow cavity, located superiorly on the lateral border.
- It articulates with the head of the humerus to form the glenohumeral (shoulder) joint.
Supraglenoid tubercle – a roughening immediately superior to the glenoid fossa.
- The place of attachment of the long head of the biceps brachii.
Infraglenoid tubercle – a roughening immediately inferior to the glenoid fossa.
- The place of attachment of the long head of the triceps brachii.

Posterior Surface

The posterior surface of the scapula faces outwards. It is a site of origin for the majority of the rotator cuff muscles of the shoulder.

It is marked by:

Spine – the most prominent feature of the posterior scapula. It runs transversely across the scapula, dividing the surface into two.
Acromion – a projection of the spine that arches over the glenohumeral joint and articulates with the clavicle at the acromioclavicular joint.
infraspinous fossa– the area below the spine of the scapula, it displays a convex shape.
- The infraspinatus muscle originates from this area.
Supraspinous fossa – the area above the spine of the scapula, it is much smaller than the infraspinous fossa, and is more convex in shape.
- The supraspinatus muscle originates from this area.

Borders of Scapula

Superior Border – It is thin and shorter. It presents the suprascapular notch near the root of the coracoid process. The superior border extends from the superior angle laterally towards the coracoid process.
Lateral Border – This is thick and presents infraglenoid tubercle at the upper end. The lateral or axillary border runs from the inferior angle to the lateral angle of the scapula.
Medial Border – This is thin and extends from superior to the inferior angle. With the arm resting by the side, the medial or vertebral border runs almost parallel to the spinal column.

Angles of Scapula

The superior angle – medial angle, is covered by the trapezius muscle. This angle is formed by the junction of the superior and medial borders of the scapula. The superior angle is located at the approximate level of the second thoracic vertebra. The superior angle of the scapula is thin, smooth, rounded, and inclined somewhat lateralward, and gives attachment to a few fibers of the levator scapulae muscle.^[rx]
Inferior angle – is covered by the latissimus dorsi. It moves forwards round the chest when the arm is abducted. The palpation of the inferior angle provides a convenient method for following the movement of the scapula during arm motion. It is the lowest part of the scapula and is covered by the latissimus dorsi muscle. It moves forwards round the chest when the arm is abducted. The inferior angle is formed by the union of the medial and lateral borders of the scapula.
Lateral Glenoid Angle – lateral angle of the scapula or glenoid angle also known as the head of the scapula is the thickest part of the scapula. It is broad and bears the glenoid cavity on its articular surface which is directed forward, laterally and slightly upwards, and articulates with the head of the humerus. The inferior angle is broader below than above and its vertical diameter is the longest. The surface is covered with cartilage in the fresh state; and its margins, slightly raised, give attachment to a fibrocartilaginous structure, the glenoidal labrum, which deepens the cavity. At its apex is a slight elevation, the supraglenoid tuberosity, to which the long head of the biceps brachii is attached

Processes of Scapula

Spine or Spinous Process – is a triangular plate of bone with 3 borders and 2 surfaces. It divides the dorsal surface of the scapula into supraspinous and infraspinous fossae. The posterior border is called the crest of the spine which has upper and lower lips.
The Acromion Process – has 2 borders, medial and lateral; 2 surfaces and a facet for clavicle.
The Coracoid Process –

Articulations

Acromion – the clavicle (forming the acromioclavicular joint)
Glenoid cavity – humeral head (forming the glenohumeral joint)

Musculotendinous

The supraspinous fossa – supraspinatus muscle
The infraspinous fossa – infraspinatus muscle, teres minor muscle
The subscapular fossa – subscapularis muscle, serratus anterior
Transverse scapular ligament and adjacent superior border of the blade – the inferior belly of omohyoid
Acromion – acromial part of the deltoid muscle, trapezius
Scapular spine – spinous part of the deltoid muscle, trapezius
Coracoid process – coracobrachialis, pectoralis minor, the short head of biceps muscle
Lateral border (margo lateralis) – teres minor muscle, teres major muscle
Vertebral border (posterior) – levator scapulae, rhomboid minor muscle, rhomboid major muscle
Inferior angle – teres major muscle, a small slip of latissimus dorsi
Supraglenoid tubercle – long head of biceps muscle
Infraglenoid tubercle – long head of triceps muscle

Ligamentous

transverse scapular ligament: crosses suprascapular notch, with the suprascapular nerve below (within the resulting foramen) and the suprascapular vessels above
coracoacromial ligament
coracoclavicular ligament
coracohumeral ligament
glenohumeral ligaments: upper, middle, and lower bands
acromioclavicular ligament (weak)

Ligaments Attachment of Scapula

The margin of the glenoid cavity gives attachment to the capsule of the shoulder joint and to the glenoid labrum
The margin of the facet on the medial aspect of the acromion gives attachment to the capsule of the acromioclavicular joint
The coracoacromial ligament is attached to the lateral border of the coracoids process and to the medial side of the tip of the acromion process
The coracohumeral ligament is attached to the root of the coracoids process.
The coracoclavicular ligament is attached to the coracoid process; the trapezoid part on the superior aspect, and the conoid part near the root. The coracoclavicular ligament is made up of 2 bands: the conoid and the trapezoid, both of which provide vertical stability. The coracoacromial ligament connects the coracoid process to the acromion.
The suprascapular ligament bridges across the suprascapular notch and converts it into a foramen which transmits the suprascapular nerve. The suprascapular ligament lies above the ligament.
The spinoglenoid ligament bridges the spinoglenoid notch. The suprascapular vessels and nerve pass to it.
The acromioclavicular ligament connects the distal end of the clavicle to the acromion and provides horizontal stability

Bursae of Scapula

There are two major bursae

Scapulothoracic Bursa, between the serratus and the thorax, and
Subscapular bursa – Subscapularis Bursa, between the subscapularis and the serratus. It is located between the tendon of the subscapularis muscle and the capsule. It functions to reduces frictional damage to the subscapularis muscle during movement of the glenohumeral joint, particularly during internal rotation.

Blood Supply of Scapula

The scapula is surrounded by an arterial anastomosis, the scapular anastomosis which aims to ensure an adequate supply of blood to the upper limb, but has added benefit of adequate supply to the bone itself. It consists of the:

Suprascapular artery
Dorsal scapular artery
Branches of the subscapular artery (i.e. circumflex scapular artery)

Muscle Attachment of Scapula/ Shoulder Blade

The intrinsic muscles of the scapula attach directly to the surface of the bone. These muscles are the four members of the rotator cuff and act to stabilize the glenohumeral joint. These include:

Supraspinatus

Function: Initiation of arm abduction (first 15 degrees), stabilize glenohumeral joint
Origin: Supraspinous fossa
Insertion: Top of the greater tubercle
Innervation: Suprascapular nerve (C5, C6)

Infraspinatus

Function: Lateral rotation of the arm, stabilize glenohumeral joint
Origin: Infraspinous fossa
Insertion: Greater tubercle of humerus, between the supraspinatus and teres minor insertion
Innervation: Suprascapular nerve (C5, C6)

Teres minor

Function: Lateral rotation of the arm, stabilize glenohumeral joint
Origin: Lateral/axillary border and adjacent posterior aspect of the scapula
Insertion: Inferior aspect of the greater tubercle on the humerus
Innervation: Axillary nerve (C5, C6)

Subscapularis

Function: Adduction and medial rotation of the arm, stabilize glenohumeral joint
Origin: Subscapular fossa
Insertion: Lesser tubercle of humerus
Innervation: Subscapular nerves (C5, C6, C7)

The extrinsic muscles of the scapula attach to the processes of the scapula and affect motion at the glenohumeral joint: These include:

Biceps brachii

Function: Resists dislocation of the shoulder, major flexor of the forearm, supination of the forearm
Origin:
- Short head: coracoid process
- Long head: supraglenoid tubercle
Insertion: Radial tuberosity and forearm fascia (as bicipital aponeurosis)
Innervation: Musculocutaneous nerve (C5, C6)

Triceps brachii

Function: Resists dislocation of the shoulder, major extensor of the forearm
Origin:
- Lateral head: above the radial groove,
- Medial head: below the radial groove
- Long head: infraglenoid tubercle of scapula
Insertion: Olecranon process of ulna and fascia of the forearm
Innervation: Radial nerve (C6, C7, C8)

Deltoid

Function:
- Anterior aspect is responsible for flexion and medial rotation of the arm
- Middle aspect is responsible for abduction of the arm (up to 90 degrees)
- The posterior aspect is responsible for extension and lateral rotation of the arm

Origin: Lateral clavicle, acromion and scapular spine
Insertion: Deltoid tuberosity
Innervation: Axillary nerve (C5, C6)

Stabilizing muscles of the scapula include:

Trapezius

Function:
- Upper fibers elevate the scapula and rotate it during abduction of the arm (90 to 180 degrees)
- Middle fibers retract the scapula
- Lower fibers pull the scapula inferiorly.
Origin: Skull, nuchal ligament and the spinous processes of C7 to T12
Insertion: clavicle, acromion and the scapular spine
Innervation: Accessory nerve (C5, C6)

Levator scapulae

Function: Elevates the scapula
Origin: Transverse processes of the C1 to C4 vertebrae
Insertion: Medial border of the scapula
Innervation: C3, C4, and the Dorsal scapular nerve (C5)

Serratus anterior

Function: fixes the scapula into the thoracic wall, and aids in rotation and abduction of the arm (90 to 180 degrees)
Origin: Surface of the upper eight ribs at the side of the chest
Insertion: Along the entire anterior length of the medial border of the scapula
Innervation: Long thoracic nerve (C5, C6, C7)

Rhomboid major

Function: Retracts and rotates the scapula
Origin: Spinous processes of T2 to T5 vertebrae
Insertion: Inferomedial border of the scapula
Innervation: Dorsal scapular nerve (C5)

Rhomboid minor

Function: Retracts and rotates the scapula
Origin: Spinous processes of C7 to T1 vertebrae
Insertion: Medial border of the scapula
Innervation: Dorsal scapular nerve (C5)

Other muscles attached to the scapula include:

Latissmus dorsi

Function: Extends, adducts and medially rotates the upper limb
Origin: Spinous processes of T6 to T12, iliac crest, thoracolumbar fascia, the inferior three ribs, and the inferior angle of the scapula
Insertion: Intertubercular sulcus of the humerus
Innervation: Thoracodorsal nerve (C6, C7, C8)

Teres major

Function: Adduction and medial rotation of the arm
Origin: Posterior surface of the scapula at its inferior angle
Insertion: Intertubercular groove on its medial aspect
Innervation: Lower scapular nerve (C5, C6)

Pectoralis minor

Function: Depression of the shoulder, protraction of scapula
Origin: Third, fourth, fifth ribs close to their respective costal cartilages
Insertion: Coracoid process
Innervation: Medial pectoral nerve (C8, T1)

Coracobrachialis

Function: Flexion and adduction of arm
Origin: Coracoid process
Insertion: Middle of the humerus, on its medial aspect
Innervation: Musculocutaneous nerve (C5, C6, C7)

Omohyoid

Function: Pulls hyoid bone down, active while talking and swallowing
Origin: Superior border of scapula
Insertion: Inferior edge of the hyoid
Innervation: Ansa cervicalis (C1, C2, C3)

The following muscles attach to the scapula

Muscle	Direction	Region
Pectoralis Minor	insertion	coracoid process
Coracobrachialis	origin	coracoid process
Serratus Anterior	insertion	medial border
Triceps Brachii (long head)	origin	infraglenoid tubercle
Biceps Brachii (short head)	origin	coracoid process
Biceps Brachii (long head)	origin	supraglenoid tubercle
Subscapularis	origin	subscapular fossa
Rhomboid Major	insertion	medial border
Rhomboid Minor	insertion	medial border
Levator Scapulae	insertion	medial border
Trapezius	insertion	spine of scapula
Deltoid	origin	spine of scapula
Supraspinatus	origin	supraspinous fossa
Infraspinatus	origin	infraspinous fossa
Teres Minor	origin	lateral border
Teres Major	origin	lateral border
Latissimus Dorsi (a few fibers, the attachment may be absent)	origin	inferior angle
Omohyoid	origin	superior border

Movements of Scapula

Movements of the scapula are brought about by the scapular muscles. The scapula can perform six actions:

Elevation: upper trapezius and levator scapulae
Depression: lower trapezius
Retraction (adduction): rhomboids and middle trapezius
Protraction (abduction): serratus anterior
Upward rotation: upper and middle trapezius
Downward rotation: rhomboids^[rx]^[rx]

References

Patient safety assistant

Check your symptom safely

Hi, I am RX Symptom Navigator. I can help you understand what to read next and what warning signs need care.

Warning: Do not use this in emergencies, pregnancy, severe illness, or as a substitute for a doctor. For children or teens, use with a parent/guardian and clinician.

A rural-friendly guide: warning signs, when to see a doctor, related articles, tests to discuss, and OTC safety education.

1 Symptom 2 Severity 3 Safe guidance

First safety question

Is there chest pain, breathing trouble, fainting, confusion, severe bleeding, stroke-like weakness, severe injury, or pregnancy danger sign?

Choose quickly

All symptoms

Browse by body area

Start here: Write or select a symptom. The guide will show warning signs, doctor guidance, diagnostic tests to discuss, OTC safety education, and related RX articles.

Important: This tool is educational only. It cannot diagnose, treat, or replace a doctor. OTC information is not a prescription. In an emergency, contact local emergency services or go to the nearest hospital.

Safety note: This is not a prescription or diagnosis. For severe symptoms, pregnancy danger signs, children with serious illness, chest pain, breathing difficulty, stroke-like weakness, or major injury, seek urgent care.

Which doctor may help?

Start with a registered doctor or the nearest qualified health center.

What to tell the doctor

Write when the problem started and how it changed.
Bring old prescriptions, investigation reports, and current medicines.
Write allergies, pregnancy status, diabetes, kidney/liver disease, and major past illnesses.
Bring one family member if the patient is weak, elderly, confused, or a child.

Questions to ask

What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
Which danger signs mean I should go to hospital quickly?
Which tests are necessary now, and which can wait?
How should I take medicines safely and what side effects should I watch for?
When should I come for follow-up?

Tests to discuss

Vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation
Basic physical examination by a clinician
CBC, urine test, blood sugar, or imaging only when clinically needed

Avoid these mistakes

Do not use antibiotics, steroid tablets/injections, or strong painkillers without proper medical advice.
Do not hide pregnancy, kidney disease, ulcer, allergy, or blood thinner use.
Do not delay emergency care when danger signs are present.

Medicine safety and first-aid guide

This section is for patient education only. It does not replace a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency care.

Safe first steps

Avoid heavy lifting, sudden bending, and prolonged bed rest.
Use comfortable posture and gentle movement as tolerated.
Discuss physiotherapy, X-ray, or MRI only when clinically needed.

OTC medicine safety

For mild back pain, pain-relief medicine may be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist.
Avoid repeated painkiller use if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcer, uncontrolled blood pressure, or are taking blood thinners.

Avoid these mistakes

Do not start antibiotics without a proper medical decision.
Do not use steroid tablets or injections casually for quick relief.
Do not delay emergency care because of home remedies.

Get urgent help if

Back pain with leg weakness, numbness around private area, loss of urine/stool control, fever, cancer history, or major injury needs urgent care.

Medicine names, dose, and timing must be decided by a qualified clinician or pharmacist after checking age, pregnancy, allergy, other diseases, and current medicines.

For rural patients and family caregivers

Patient health record and symptom diary

Write your symptoms, medicines already taken, test results, and questions before visiting a doctor. This note stays on your device unless you print or copy it.

Doctor to discuss: Orthopedic / spine specialist, physical medicine doctor, or qualified clinician

Tests to discuss with doctor

Neurological examination for leg power, sensation, reflexes, and straight leg raise
X-ray only if injury, deformity, long-lasting pain, or doctor suspects bone problem
MRI discussion if severe nerve symptoms, weakness, bladder/bowel problem, or persistent symptoms

Questions to ask

What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
Which warning signs mean I should go to emergency care?
Which tests are really needed now?
Which medicines are safe for my age, pregnancy status, allergy, kidney/liver/stomach condition, and current medicines?
Is physiotherapy, posture correction, or activity modification needed?

Emergency warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion, severe dehydration, major injury, or loss of bladder/bowel control need urgent medical care. Do not wait for online information.

Go to emergency care if you notice:

Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
Breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, major injury, or severe dehydration

Doctor / service to discuss: Qualified healthcare provider; specialist depends on symptoms and examination.

Step 1
Check danger signs first
If danger signs are present, seek emergency care and do not wait for online information.
Step 2
Record the symptom story
Write when symptoms started, severity, medicines already taken, allergies, pregnancy status, and test results.
Step 3
Visit a qualified clinician
A doctor, nurse, or qualified healthcare provider can examine you and decide which tests or treatment are needed.
Step 4
Do only useful tests
Do tests after clinical assessment. Avoid unnecessary tests, random antibiotics, or repeated medicines without diagnosis.
Step 5
Follow up and return early if worse
If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips

Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
Do not hide medicines already taken, even herbal or over-the-counter medicines.
Ask which warning signs mean urgent referral to hospital.

This roadmap is for education. A real diagnosis and treatment plan requires history, examination, and clinical judgment.

RX Patient Help

Ask a health question safely

Write your symptom story. A health professional or site editor can review it before any answer is prepared. This box is not for emergency care.

Emergency first: Severe chest pain, breathing trouble, unconsciousness, stroke signs, severe injury, heavy bleeding, or rapidly worsening symptoms need urgent local medical care now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

No. It is educational content only. Patients should consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.