Scapula Showing The Lateral Angle

Description

Scapular lateral angle anchors the shoulder joint, and this side-oriented image centers the glenoid cavity where the humeral head articulates. The shallow, pear-shaped articular surface sits on the expanded lateral angle, bounded superiorly and inferiorly by the supraglenoid and infraglenoid tubercles and narrowed medially at the scapular neck. Superior to the glenoid, the coracoid process projects anterosuperiorly, while the acromion caps the lateral end of the scapular spine posteriorly, framing the approach to the glenohumeral joint line. Glenoid morphology drives stability, so the orientation and rim contour shown here matter in anterior shoulder dislocation and recurrent instability, where a Bankart lesion or bony glenoid rim loss changes the effective concavity. Orthopaedic planning for a Latarjet procedure or total shoulder arthroplasty depends on appreciating the glenoid’s version relative to the scapular body and spine, and on recognizing adjacent landmarks such as the coracoid base and scapular neck that can be involved in fractures. Surface shading separates the articular margin from non-articular bone, making the transition between glenoid fossa, neck, and lateral border easy to read in a single frame. A tight surgical corridor. Use this illustration in gross anatomy teaching of the pectoral girdle, in radiology correlation when explaining scapular Y and axillary projections, or in clinical publications discussing glenoid bone loss, scapular neck fractures, and implant positioning. It also suits exam materials that test identification of the lateral (axillary) angle, glenoid cavity, acromion, coracoid process, and their proximal relationships at the shoulder. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.