Spine Of The Scapula, Lateral View

Description

Scapular spine dominates the posterior aspect of the scapula in this lateral shoulder view, running from the medial border toward the expanded acromion at the superolateral corner. From this fixed perspective, the ridge projects posteriorly and divides the dorsal surface into the supraspinous fossa superiorly and the infraspinous fossa inferiorly, with the lateral continuation blending into the acromion that overhangs the glenoid region. Adjacent landmarks commonly visible in a true lateral scapular orientation include the glenoid cavity, the neck of the scapula, and the coracoid process positioned anterior and superior to the glenoid. Palpation and surgical orientation often start at the scapular spine. Orthopedic approaches to the posterior shoulder use the spine and acromion as surface guides for deltoid splitting and for locating the spinoglenoid notch region where the suprascapular nerve can be compressed by paralabral cysts, producing infraspinatus weakness. Because the lateral viewpoint emphasizes the acromial slope and the posterior projection of the spine relative to the glenoid, the image reads well for explaining subacromial morphology in impingement discussions and for distinguishing fractures of the acromion or spine from scapular body injuries after direct trauma. Bone landmarks stay unambiguous. Use this illustration in gross anatomy labs, radiographic anatomy teaching (scapular Y and lateral shoulder correlations), and orthopedic or sports medicine publications covering scapular fractures, acromial morphology, and deltoid and trapezius attachment anatomy. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.