Infraglenoid Tubercle Of The Scapula

Description

Infraglenoid tubercle anatomy is centered on the rough, triangular eminence immediately inferior to the glenoid cavity on the lateral angle of the scapula. From this fixed viewpoint, the tubercle sits on the proximal lateral border, just below the glenoid rim and adjacent to the scapular neck, where the cortical surface transitions from the articular margin to a traction-marked bony footprint. Superior to it, the glenoid fossa and its rim define the socket for the humeral head, while posteriorly the lateral border sweeps toward the inferior angle and anteriorly the subscapular fossa forms the costal surface. Texture matters here. Clinically, the infraglenoid tubercle is the proximal attachment site for the long head of triceps brachii, so its morphology and cortical integrity become relevant in traction injuries, scapular neck fractures that threaten the glenoid segment, and surgical exposures that rely on the lateral border as a palpation landmark. Orthopedic readers also track this region when discussing inferior glenoid rim pathology, because the tubercle lies just distal to the capsulolabral complex and inferior glenohumeral ligament attachments that are implicated in anterior shoulder instability and Bankart-type lesions. The lighting and surface detail in this illustration emphasize the difference between smooth articular-adjacent bone and the roughened tendon attachment, which is often lost in simplified bone diagrams. Use this illustration in upper limb gross anatomy labs, kinesiology teaching on triceps function across the shoulder and elbow, and orthopedic or sports medicine publications describing scapular fractures, posterior shoulder approaches, or glenoid-related instability. It also suits patient education materials where you need a single, unambiguous bony landmark beneath the glenoid cavity for orientation. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.