Shoulder joint

Shoulder joint

The shoulder joint is a major joint in the human body. It is a ball and socket joint that connects the upper arm bone, known as the humerus, to the shoulder blade, or scapula. The shoulder joint is one of the most mobile joints in the body, allowing for a wide range of motion in the arm.

Anatomy

The shoulder joint is made up of three bones: the humerus, the scapula, and the clavicle. The head of the humerus fits into a shallow socket in the scapula. This socket is called the glenoid. The acromion and coracoid process are parts of the scapula that connect with the clavicle to form the shoulder girdle.

Function

The shoulder joint allows for a wide range of motion. This includes flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, internal rotation, and external rotation. The shoulder joint also allows for circumduction, which is a combination of these movements.

Clinical significance

Injuries and conditions that can affect the shoulder joint include rotator cuff tear, shoulder impingement syndrome, shoulder dislocation, frozen shoulder, and arthritis. Treatment for these conditions can include physical therapy, medication, and in some cases, surgery.

See also

• Rotator cuff
• Shoulder impingement syndrome
• Shoulder dislocation
• Frozen shoulder
• Arthritis

Shoulder joint Resources
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