Coracohumeral ligament

Coracohumeral Ligament

The Coracohumeral Ligament is a broad and thin band in the human body, which is part of the shoulder complex. It is one of the four ligaments that stabilize the glenohumeral joint, the others being the superior glenohumeral ligament, middle glenohumeral ligament, and inferior glenohumeral ligament.

Etymology

The term "Coracohumeral" is derived from the Greek words "korax", meaning "crow", and "humerus", meaning "upper arm bone". This is in reference to the ligament's attachment points - the coracoid process of the scapula (which is beak-like in shape, hence the reference to a crow) and the humerus.

Anatomy

The Coracohumeral Ligament originates from the lateral side of the base of the coracoid process and passes obliquely downwards and laterally to the front of the greater tubercle of the humerus. It blends with the capsule of shoulder joint and reinforces it superiorly.

Function

The Coracohumeral Ligament plays a crucial role in stabilizing the shoulder joint. It restricts excessive motion of the shoulder, particularly preventing downward dislocation of the humerus.

Clinical Significance

In certain pathological conditions such as frozen shoulder, the Coracohumeral Ligament may become thickened and limit the range of motion of the shoulder joint. It may also be involved in conditions such as rotator cuff tear and shoulder impingement syndrome.

Related Terms

• Ligament
• Shoulder joint
• Glenohumeral joint
• Coracoid process
• Humerus
• Greater tubercle
• Capsule of shoulder joint
• Frozen shoulder
• Rotator cuff tear
• Shoulder impingement syndrome

Coracohumeral ligament Resources
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