Ready to elevate your understanding of the scapula? Whether you're a budding physical therapist, a seasoned trainer, or a medical student, our free scapula parts quiz is your chance to identify key landmarks, pinpoint articulations, and boost your confidence. Test your grasp on vital joints - from sternoclavicular and acromioclavicular joint questions to scapulothoracic anatomy quiz concepts and glenohumeral joint anatomy quiz challenges. Then level up with our interactive Shoulder Girdle Anatomy Quiz or dive into the shoulder joint anatomy quiz . Dive in now and prove you know your shoulder anatomy inside and out!
How many borders does the scapula have?
Four
Two
Three
Five
The scapula has three borders: superior, medial (vertebral), and lateral (axillary), which outline its roughly triangular shape. Each border serves as an attachment site for muscles and ligaments that move the shoulder girdle. The superior border includes the scapular notch, the medial border is parallel to the spine, and the lateral border ends at the glenoid cavity. For more details see Scapula Borders.
Which process of the scapula articulates with the clavicle?
Glenoid cavity
Spine
Acromion
Coracoid process
The acromion is a bony projection on the posterior scapula that forms the acromioclavicular (AC) joint with the lateral end of the clavicle. This joint helps transmit forces from the upper limb to the axial skeleton. The acromion also serves as an attachment for the deltoid and trapezius muscles. More information is available at Acromion.
The scapular spine divides the posterior surface into which two fossae?
Acromial and Coracoid
Subscapular and Supraspinous
Infraglenoid and Supraglenoid
Supraspinous and Infraspinous
The scapular spine projects across the posterior surface, separating it into the supraspinous fossa above and the infraspinous fossa below. These fossae serve as origin sites for the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles, respectively. This bony ridge is easily palpable beneath the skin. See Scapula Structure for more details.
Which fossa is found on the anterior surface of the scapula?
Subscapular fossa
Infraspinous fossa
Glenoid fossa
Supraspinous fossa
The subscapular fossa is the broad, slightly concave depression on the anterior (costal) surface of the scapula. It provides the origin for the powerful subscapularis muscle, which medially rotates the arm. The shape of the fossa allows close apposition to the rib cage. More information at Scapula Surfaces.
What is the shallow socket on the lateral angle of the scapula called?
Acromion
Coracoid process
Glenoid cavity
Infraglenoid tubercle
The glenoid cavity (or fossa) is the shallow, pear-shaped depression on the lateral angle of the scapula that articulates with the head of the humerus, forming the glenohumeral joint. Its concave shape is deepened by the glenoid labrum to enhance stability. This joint is responsible for a wide range of shoulder movements. See Glenoid Cavity for more.
Which scapular landmark serves as the attachment point for the long head of the biceps brachii?
Coracoid process
Infraglenoid tubercle
Scapular notch
Supraglenoid tubercle
The supraglenoid tubercle is a small bump located just above the glenoid cavity. It serves as the origin for the long head of the biceps brachii muscle. This attachment helps stabilize the shoulder joint during arm movements. More details at Biceps Brachii.
The coracoid process is located on which surface of the scapula?
Medial
Anterior (costal)
Lateral
Posterior
The coracoid process projects anteriorly from the superior border of the scapula. It acts as a lever arm for muscles like the pectoralis minor, coracobrachialis, and the short head of the biceps brachii. It is palpable just below the clavicle on the front of the shoulder. See Coracoid Process for more.
The scapula articulates with the humerus at which joint?
Glenohumeral joint
Scapulothoracic joint
Sternoclavicular joint
Acromioclavicular joint
The glenohumeral joint is the ball-and-socket articulation between the glenoid cavity of the scapula and the head of the humerus. It allows a wide range of motion in multiple planes but sacrifices some stability. The joint is reinforced by the rotator cuff muscles and glenoid labrum. More information at Glenohumeral Joint.
Which border of the scapula is also called the vertebral border?
Superior border
Glenoid border
Lateral border
Medial border
The medial border of the scapula is sometimes referred to as the vertebral border because it lies closest to the vertebral column. This edge provides attachment for muscles such as the serratus anterior and rhomboids. It extends from the superior angle to the inferior angle. See Scapula Borders for more detail.
Which muscle originates from the infraspinous fossa?
Subscapularis
Supraspinatus
Teres major
Infraspinatus
The infraspinous fossa, located below the scapular spine, provides the origin for the infraspinatus muscle. This muscle externally rotates the humerus at the shoulder joint. It is one of the four rotator cuff muscles. For more, see Infraspinatus Muscle.
Which notch on the scapula allows passage of the suprascapular nerve?
Surgical notch
Acromial notch
Scapular notch
Spinoglenoid notch
The suprascapular (scapular) notch on the superior border of the scapula transmits the suprascapular nerve beneath the superior transverse scapular ligament. This nerve innervates the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles. Entrapment here can cause weakness of shoulder external rotation. Details at Suprascapular Notch.
The acromion is a continuation of which scapular structure?
Coracoid process
Spine of the scapula
Medial border
Glenoid cavity
The acromion is an extension of the scapular spine that projects laterally over the shoulder joint. It forms the highest point of the shoulder and serves as an attachment for the deltoid and trapezius muscles. The acromion articulates with the clavicle at the AC joint. More info at Acromion.
Which tubercle on the scapula serves as the attachment for the long head of the triceps brachii?
Infraglenoid tubercle
Coracoid tubercle
Supraglenoid tubercle
Acromial tubercle
The infraglenoid tubercle is a small bump located just below the glenoid cavity. It provides the origin for the long head of the triceps brachii muscle. This attachment is crucial for elbow extension and shoulder stabilization. See Triceps Brachii.
The glenoid labrum is best described as what?
Bony expansion
Muscular attachment
Ligamentous band
Fibrocartilaginous rim
The glenoid labrum is a ring of fibrocartilage that surrounds the rim of the glenoid cavity. It deepens the socket, increasing joint stability without sacrificing mobility. Tears of the labrum can lead to shoulder instability and pain. Learn more at Glenoid Labrum.
Which angle of the scapula contains the glenoid cavity?
Superior angle
Inferior angle
Medial angle
Lateral angle
The lateral angle of the scapula is thickened and ends in the glenoid cavity, which articulates with the humeral head. This angle is broader and stronger than the superior or inferior angles. It also features the supraglenoid and infraglenoid tubercles. More details at Scapular Angles.
The scapula's superior border features which notable indentation?
Coracoid notch
Spinous notch
Suprascapular notch
Scapular notch
The suprascapular notch (also called scapular notch) on the superior border allows passage of the suprascapular nerve and vessels. It is bridged by the superior transverse scapular ligament. This notch can vary in size and shape, affecting nerve entrapment risk. See Suprascapular Notch.
The spinoglenoid notch connects which two fossae of the scapula?
Supraspinous to Infraspinous
Supraglenoid to Infraglenoid
Infraglenoid to Supraglenoid
Subscapular to Supraspinous
The spinoglenoid notch lies between the spine of the scapula and the posterior aspect of the glenoid. It connects the supraspinous fossa above with the infraspinous fossa below. This notch is traversed by the suprascapular nerve as it innervates infraspinatus. More at Spinoglenoid Notch.
The suprascapular artery typically passes _____ the superior transverse scapular ligament.
Under
Beside
Over
Through
In the region of the suprascapular notch, the suprascapular artery typically passes over (superior to) the superior transverse scapular ligament, while the suprascapular nerve passes beneath. This relationship is remembered with the mnemonic 'Army over, Navy under.' See Suprascapular Artery for more.
The spinoglenoid notch is bridged by which ligament?
Inferior transverse scapular ligament
Coracoacromial ligament
Superior transverse scapular ligament
Glenoid labrum
The spinoglenoid notch, located between the scapular spine and glenoid, is spanned by the inferior transverse scapular ligament (spinoglenoid ligament). This ligament helps protect structures passing through the notch, including branches of the suprascapular vessels and nerve. Pathology here can affect muscle function. More information at Spinoglenoid Notch.
The coracoid process features two tubercles called what?
Supraglenoid and Infraglenoid tubercles
Acromial and Coracoid tubercles
Conoid and Trapezoid tubercles
Scapular and Glenoid tubercles
On the underside of the coracoid process are the conoid and trapezoid tubercles, which serve as attachment points for the conoid and trapezoid parts of the coracoclavicular ligament. These ligaments stabilize the acromioclavicular joint. They are important landmarks in shoulder anatomy. See Coracoid Process.
At full scapular upward rotation, how does the inferior angle move?
Medially and downward
Anteriorly and medial
Laterally and upward
Posteriorly and lateral
During upward rotation of the scapula at the scapulothoracic joint, the inferior angle moves laterally (away from the spine) and upward. This movement helps elevate the glenoid cavity to allow full shoulder abduction. It is coordinated with humeral motion in scapulohumeral rhythm. Learn more at Scapulothoracic Articulation.
The infraglenoid tubercle gives origin to which muscle?
Long head of triceps
Deltoid
Long head of biceps
Supraspinatus
The infraglenoid tubercle, located just below the glenoid cavity, is the origin for the long head of the triceps brachii muscle. This muscle extends the forearm at the elbow and stabilizes the shoulder joint. It works alongside the medial and lateral heads of the triceps. More detail at Triceps Brachii.
The medial border of the scapula lies opposite which ribs?
5 to 10
3 to 8
1 to 4
2 to 7
The medial border of the scapula extends roughly opposite the second through seventh ribs on the posterior thoracic wall. It provides attachment for muscles like the serratus anterior, rhomboids, and levator scapulae. This alignment helps ensure proper scapular motion along the rib cage. For more see Scapular Landmarks.
The acromion morphology is classified into how many types in the Bigliani system?
Two
Three
Five
Four
The Bigliani classification describes three acromion types - flat (Type I), curved (Type II), and hooked (Type III) - based on their shape. Type III acromion is associated with a higher risk of rotator cuff impingement. Recognizing these variants can guide clinical decisions. Read more at Acromion Variants.
How many ossification centers are involved in the development of the scapula by skeletal maturity?
Three
Nine
Five
Seven
The scapula develops from one primary ossification center and six secondary centers, for a total of seven. These centers appear at different ages and fuse by late adolescence. Knowledge of these centers is important in pediatric radiology to assess normal development. More details at Scapula Development.
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AI Study Notes
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Study Outcomes
Identify Scapula Landmarks -
Learn to recognize and label major scapular features such as the spine, acromion, coracoid process, and glenoid cavity when preparing for the scapula parts quiz.
Differentiate Shoulder Girdle Joints -
Distinguish between the sternoclavicular, acromioclavicular, and scapulothoracic joints, enhancing your shoulder girdle anatomy quiz accuracy.
Explain Scapulothoracic Mechanics -
Understand the movement patterns of the scapula against the thoracic wall, including elevation, depression, protraction, and retraction.
Describe Glenohumeral Movements -
Detail the primary motions of the glenohumeral joint such as abduction, adduction, rotation, and flexion for improved quiz performance.
Analyze Sternoclavicular and Acromioclavicular Joints -
Explore the structural differences and functional roles of these joints in shoulder stability and motion.
Apply Knowledge to Quiz Challenges -
Use your understanding of scapular anatomy and shoulder girdle mechanics to confidently tackle each question in the scapula parts quiz.
Cheat Sheet
Scapular Borders and Angles -
When preparing for the scapula parts quiz, focus on the three borders (superior, medial, lateral) and three angles (superior, lateral/glenoid, inferior). A handy mnemonic "SLI" helps recall Superior, Lateral, and Inferior angles in sequence. Visual models from Gray's Anatomy reinforce spatial orientation and landmark identification.
Sternoclavicular Joint Mechanics -
The saddle-shaped sternoclavicular joint allows elevation, depression, protraction, and retraction of the clavicle, key for clavicular motion in the shoulder girdle anatomy quiz. With about 45° of elevation and 15° of depression, rotational movements support full overhead reach. Reviewing diarthrodial classification from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons sharpens accuracy for your sternoclavicular joint quiz sections.
Acromioclavicular Joint Stability -
The acromioclavicular joint is a plane synovial articulation reinforced by the conoid and trapezoid ligaments of the coracoclavicular complex, often highlighted in the acromioclavicular joint test. Recognizing ligamentous grading I - III in AC separation aids clinical decision-making. Cross-referencing University of California biomechanics modules or Netter's Atlas enhances memorization.
Scapulothoracic Movement Patterns -
Although not a true synovial joint, the scapulothoracic articulation permits upward/downward rotation, protraction/retraction, and elevation/depression, central to any scapulothoracic anatomy quiz. A memorable cue "UP-DE-PRO" stands for Upward Rotation, Depression, and Protraction. Reviewing kinematics in the Journal of Anatomy clarifies how these motions integrate during arm abduction.
Glenohumeral Joint and Scapulohumeral Rhythm -
The ball-and-socket glenohumeral joint allows flexion, extension, abduction, and rotation with stability from the rotator cuff muscles - vital for the glenohumeral joint anatomy quiz. Remember the 2:1 scapulohumeral rhythm: every 3° of arm elevation comprises 2° at the GH joint and 1° of scapular rotation. Incorporating this formula from orthopedic texts ensures mastery of dynamic shoulder mechanics.
