Head Of The Scapula, Anterior View

Description

Scapular head (caput scapulae) and the glenoid cavity dominate this anterior view of the lateral end of the shoulder blade. The shallow, pear-shaped articular surface of the glenoid faces laterally with a slight anterior orientation, while the scapular neck narrows medially toward the costal surface of the blade. Superior to the glenoid margin, the supraglenoid tubercle marks the origin of the long head of biceps brachii, and inferiorly the infraglenoid tubercle projects for the long head of triceps brachii. The coracoid process is typically appreciated anterosuperior to the glenoid as a stout hook of bone, with the anterior scapular body extending medially as the concave subscapular fossa. This lateral scapular anatomy frames the osseous constraints of the glenohumeral joint and is where instability lesions are discussed with precision, from anterior-inferior glenoid rim defects in recurrent shoulder dislocation (Bankart spectrum) to bony attrition that influences Latarjet planning or reverse shoulder arthroplasty baseplate positioning. An anterior perspective clarifies the relationship between the glenoid face, the neck, and the coracoid, a relationship that can be confusing when taught only from posterior views because the scapular spine and acromion dominate the silhouette. Bone surface detail around the glenoid margins supports teaching of labral attachment zones and helps explain why even small rim fractures can change joint congruence. Use this illustration in gross anatomy teaching on the pectoral girdle, in orthopedic slide decks on glenoid bone loss measurement, or in radiology education when correlating 3D anatomy with CT views used for preoperative planning. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.