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The Shoulder Joint

 

The shoulder is made up of bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They work together so you can reach, swing, and lift in comfort. Learning about the parts of the shoulder and joint will help you to understand your shoulder problem.

The Parts of the Joint

 

The shoulder joint is where the humerus (upper arm bone) meets the scapula (shoulder blade).

  • Muscles and ligaments help make up the joint. They attach to the shoulder blade and upper arm bone.

  • At the top of the shoulder blade are two bony knobs called the acromion and coracoid process.

  • The subacromial space is between the top of the humerus and the acromion. This space is filled with tendons and muscles.

  • The bursa is a sac of fluid that cushions shoulder parts as they move.

 Outline of shoulder showing parts of shoulder joint: acromion, coracoid process, coracoacromial ligament, subacromial space with bursa inside, clavicle (collarbone), scapula (shoulder blade), long head of biceps tendon, and supraspinatus (muscle and tendon that help form rotator cuff).

 

 

Online Medical Reviewer: Bechtold, C Dustin, MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Mitchell, Bryan Sean, MD
Last Review Date: 10/31/2011
© 2000-2013 Krames StayWell, 780 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.