Supraspinous fossa

Supraspinous fossa is a feature of the scapula, one of the bones in the human skeleton. It is a shallow, concave surface located on the posterior aspect of the scapula, above the spine of the scapula.

Anatomy

The supraspinous fossa is bounded by the superior border of the scapula and the scapular spine. It is smaller than the infraspinous fossa, which is located below the scapular spine. The supraspinous fossa is covered by the supraspinatus muscle, one of the four muscles of the rotator cuff.

The supraspinatus muscle originates from the supraspinous fossa. From there, it extends laterally, passing beneath the acromion and the coracoacromial ligament to attach to the superior aspect of the greater tubercle of the humerus.

Function

The supraspinous fossa serves as the origin for the supraspinatus muscle. This muscle plays a crucial role in the stability and mobility of the shoulder joint. It helps to resist downward forces that are applied to the shoulder joint, and also assists in abduction of the arm – that is, moving the arm away from the body.

Clinical significance

Injuries or conditions that affect the supraspinous fossa can have significant implications for shoulder function. For example, a fracture of the scapula that extends into the supraspinous fossa could potentially disrupt the attachment of the supraspinatus muscle, leading to weakness or loss of function in the shoulder. Similarly, osteoarthritis or other degenerative conditions that affect the shoulder can lead to changes in the supraspinous fossa and associated muscles.