{"id":3591,"date":"2021-01-07T11:08:17","date_gmt":"2021-01-07T10:08:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/meddists.com\/learn\/pre-clinical\/anatomy\/upper-limb\/shoulder\/joints-of-the-shoulder\/"},"modified":"2021-12-11T10:46:00","modified_gmt":"2021-12-11T08:46:00","slug":"shoulder-joint","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/meddists.com\/learn\/pre-clinical\/anatomy\/upper-limb\/shoulder\/shoulder-joint\/","title":{"rendered":"Shoulder joint"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><div class=\"intro\">The shoulder joint attaches the pectoral girdle and shoulder to the arm. It consists of three synovial joints, including the sternoclavicular, acromioclavicular, and glenohumeral joints, and an additional, &#8220;non-anatomical&#8221; joint, the scapulothoracic joint.<\/div><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/meddists.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/shoulder-joint.png\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Shoulder joint\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/meddists.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/shoulder-joint.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9033\" srcset=\"https:\/\/meddists.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/shoulder-joint.png 1024w, https:\/\/meddists.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/shoulder-joint-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/meddists.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/shoulder-joint-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/meddists.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/shoulder-joint-768x768.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption><strong>Figure 1. The pectoral girdle and shoulder joint <\/strong>(Credit: OpenStax, CC BY-SA 4.0)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/meddists.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/914_Shoulder_Joint1.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Shoulder joint\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/meddists.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/914_Shoulder_Joint1-600x439.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-27611\"\/><\/a><figcaption><strong>Figure 2. The acromioclavicular and glenohumeral joints<\/strong> (Credit: OpenStax, CC BY-SA 4.0)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<span class=\"block-heading\" id=\"header_1\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"title_collection title1\">Description<\/h3>\n<\/span><span class=\"block-content\" id=\"contents_1\">\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The shoulder joint consists of 4 joints:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Sternoclavicular joint<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Acromioclavicular joint<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Glenohumeral<\/strong> <strong>joint<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Scapulothoracic joint<\/strong> (not a &#8220;true&#8221; anatomical joint&#8221;)<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These joints collectively make up the connection between the clavicle, scapula, thoracic cage, and the humorous, allowing the various movements of the shoulder and arm:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\" id=\"block-4d8b8a73-fa58-4bbb-a4e0-0b692d11ebb1\"><li>Elevation<\/li><li>Depression<\/li><li>Protraction<\/li><li>Retraction<\/li><li>Rotation<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"pure-table\"><thead><tr><th>Joint<\/th><th>Type<\/th><th>Ligaments<\/th><th>Blood supply<\/th><th>Innervation<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Sternoclavicular joint<\/td><td>Saddle type (ball-and-socket)<\/td><td>Anterior and posterior sternoclavicular <br>Interclavicular<br>Costoclavicular<\/td><td>Internal thoracic and suprascapular artery<\/td><td>Medial supraclavicular and<br>nerve to the subclavius <\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Acromioclavicular joint <\/td><td>Plane type<\/td><td>Acromioclavicular<br>Coracoclavicular<\/td><td>Suprascapular<br>and thoracoacromial artery<\/td><td>Lateral pectoral, axillary, and lateral supraclavicular nerves<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Glenohumeral joint <\/td><td>Ball-and-socket<\/td><td>Glenohumeral<br>Coracohumeral<br>Transverse humeral<br>Coracoacromial arch<\/td><td>Anterior and posterior circumflex humeral arteries <\/td><td>Suprascapular, axillary, and lateral pectoral nerves <\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Scapulothoracic joint <\/td><td>Not a &#8220;true&#8221; anatomical joint<\/td><td>None<\/td><td>Posterior intercostal, dorsal scapular,<br>and thoracodorsal artery<\/td><td>Dorsal scapular and long thoracic nerves<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption><strong>Table 1. Summary of the joints of the shoulder<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<\/span><span class=\"block-heading\" id=\"header_2\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"title_collection title1\">Joint capsules and bursae<\/h3>\n<\/span><span class=\"block-content\" id=\"contents_2\">\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Joints are surrounded by a <strong>joint capsule<\/strong>, composed of two layers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Synovial membrane<\/strong>. The internal layer of the joint capsule.<\/li><li><strong>Fibrous layer<\/strong>. The external layer of the joint capsule, extending to the edges of the articular surfaces.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Joints are also surrounded by several <strong>bursae<\/strong>, which are sac-like structures filled with synovial fluid resembling water balloons, reducing friction between tendons and adjacent joint capsules and bony prominences during movement.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium\"><a href=\"https:\/\/meddists.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Joint1.png\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Shoulder joint\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"228\" src=\"https:\/\/meddists.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Joint1-300x228.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9027\" srcset=\"https:\/\/meddists.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Joint1-300x228.png 300w, https:\/\/meddists.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Joint1-768x584.png 768w, https:\/\/meddists.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Joint1.png 862w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption><strong>Figure 3. Joint capsule and bursa<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/span><span class=\"block-heading\" id=\"header_3\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"title_collection title1\">Sternoclavicular joint<\/h3>\n<\/span><span class=\"block-content\" id=\"contents_3\">\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The sternoclavicular joint is a <strong>saddle type <\/strong>of synovial joint, however, it <strong>functions as a ball and socket<\/strong> type of joint.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/span><span class=\"block-heading\" id=\"header_4\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"title_collection title2\">Structure<\/h4>\n<\/span><span class=\"block-content\" id=\"contents_4\">\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The sternoclavicular joint is formed by the articulation between the sternal end of the clavicle, the clavicular notch of the manubrium, and the first costal cartilage, which are all covered by fibrocartilage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The joint is completely separated into two compartments by an articular disc.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/span><span class=\"block-heading\" id=\"header_5\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"title_collection title2\">Movements<\/h4>\n<\/span><span class=\"block-content\" id=\"contents_5\">\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The sternoclavicular joint is extremely mobile. During the full elevation of the upper extremity, <strong>the clavicle can be raised to a 60-degree angle<\/strong>. The clavicle can also be moved <strong>anteriorly and posteriorly<\/strong>, and these movements performed sequentially result in <strong>circumduction <\/strong>(circular pattern).<\/p>\n\n\n<\/span><span class=\"block-heading\" id=\"header_6\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"title_collection title2\">Ligaments<\/h4>\n<\/span><span class=\"block-content\" id=\"contents_6\">\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The sternoclavicular joint is reinforced by several <strong>ligaments:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Anterior sternoclavicular ligament<\/strong>. A thickening of the fibrous layer of the joint capsule, firmly attached to the articular disc<\/li><li><strong>Posterior sternoclavicular ligament<\/strong>. The posterior counterpart of the anterior sternoclavicular ligament<\/li><li><strong>Interclavicular ligament<\/strong>. Extends from the sternal end of the clavicle to the sternal end of the second clavicle, reinforcing the joint superiorly<\/li><li><strong>Costoclavicular ligament<\/strong>. Attaches the sternal end of the clavicle inferiorly to the first costal cartilage<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<\/span><span class=\"block-heading\" id=\"header_7\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"title_collection title2\">Blood supply<\/h4>\n<\/span><span class=\"block-content\" id=\"contents_7\">\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The sternoclavicular joint is supplied by the <strong>internal thoracic and suprascapular arteries.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<\/span><span class=\"block-heading\" id=\"header_8\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"title_collection title2\">Nerve supply<\/h4>\n<\/span><span class=\"block-content\" id=\"contents_8\">\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The sternoclavicular joint is innervated by branches from the <strong>medial supraclavicular nerve <\/strong>and the<strong> nerve to the subclavius.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<\/span><span class=\"block-heading\" id=\"header_9\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"title_collection title1\">Acromioclavicular joint<\/h3>\n<\/span><span class=\"block-content\" id=\"contents_9\">\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The acromioclavicular joint is a <strong>plane type <\/strong>of synovial joint. It is formed by the articulation between an oval facet on the medial aspect of the acromion and a complementary facet on the acromial end of the clavicle.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/span><span class=\"block-heading\" id=\"header_10\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"title_collection title2\">Structure<\/h4>\n<\/span><span class=\"block-content\" id=\"contents_10\">\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The articular surfaces forming the acromioclavicular joint are covered by fibrocartilage and are <strong>partially separated by an articular disc.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<\/span><span class=\"block-heading\" id=\"header_11\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"title_collection title2\">Movement<\/h4>\n<\/span><span class=\"block-content\" id=\"contents_11\">\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The acromion of the scapular moves in a <strong>rotating motion over the clavicle<\/strong>. Although <strong>no muscles are directly connected to the joint<\/strong>, the muscles that attach to and move the scapula allow the movement of the acromion over the clavicle.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/span><span class=\"block-heading\" id=\"header_12\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"title_collection title2\">Joint capsule<\/h4>\n<\/span><span class=\"block-content\" id=\"contents_12\">\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The joint capsule is relatively weak but is reinforced by fibers from the trapezius muscle.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/span><span class=\"block-heading\" id=\"header_13\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"title_collection title2\">Ligaments<\/h4>\n<\/span><span class=\"block-content\" id=\"contents_13\">\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>ligaments<\/strong> supporting the acromioclavicular joint are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Acromioclavicular ligament<\/strong>. Fibrous band extending superiorly from the acromion to the clavicle<\/li><li><strong>Coracoclavicular ligament<\/strong>. Formed by a couple of two strong fibrous bands<strong>, the conoid ligament, and the trapezoid ligament<\/strong>, anchoring the clavicle to the coracoid process. <ul><li>The conoid process attaches to the conoid tubercle of the clavicle and the coracoid process. The trapezoid ligament attaches to the trapezoid line of the clavicle and the coracoid process. <\/li><li>This ligament is a strong supportive structure, making sure the clavicle maintains its position on the acromion.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<\/span><span class=\"block-heading\" id=\"header_14\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"title_collection title2\">Blood supply<\/h4>\n<\/span><span class=\"block-content\" id=\"contents_14\">\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The acromioclavicular joint is supplied by the <strong>suprascapular and thoracoacromial arteries.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<\/span><span class=\"block-heading\" id=\"header_15\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"title_collection title2\">Nerve supply<\/h4>\n<\/span><span class=\"block-content\" id=\"contents_15\">\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The acromioclavicular joint is innervated by branches from <strong>the lateral pectoral, axillary, and lateral supraclavicular nerves.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<\/span><span class=\"block-heading\" id=\"header_16\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"title_collection title1\">Glenohumeral joint<\/h3>\n<\/span><span class=\"block-content\" id=\"contents_16\">\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The glenohumeral joint is a <strong>ball and socket<\/strong> type of synovial joint. It is formed by the articulation between the round <strong>head of the humerus and the glenoid cavity<\/strong> of the scapula.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/span><span class=\"block-heading\" id=\"header_17\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"title_collection title2\">Structure<\/h4>\n<\/span><span class=\"block-content\" id=\"contents_17\">\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The glenoid cavity is relatively shallow<\/strong> in comparison to the head of the humerus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>glenoid labrum<\/strong>, a fibrocartilaginous, ring-like structure that deepens the glenoid cavity to fit the head of the humerus more appropriately helps to adjust this slight incongruity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Movements<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The glenohumeral joint possesses a wide range of motion. The movements allowed by this joint are <strong>flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, lateral and medial rotation, and circumduction of the upper limb<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Circumduction at a broader range is accommodated by all three joints making up the pectoral girdle, while a smaller range of this movement is performed solely by the glenohumeral joint.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/span><span class=\"block-heading\" id=\"header_18\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"title_collection title2\">Joint capsule<\/h4>\n<\/span><span class=\"block-content\" id=\"contents_18\">\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The <strong>synovial membrane<\/strong> lines the internal surface of the fibrous layer of the joint capsule, as well as the glenoid labrum and the margin of the head of the humerus. <ul><li>The synovial membrane also <strong>forms a lining around the long head of the biceps brachii muscle<\/strong>, located in the intertubercular sulcus of the humerus.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>The <strong>fibrous layer<\/strong> is attached to the margin of the joint medially, and to the anatomical neck of the humerus laterally. <ul><li>On its superior aspect, the fibrous layer of the joint capsule envelopes the proximal attachment of the long head of the biceps brachii muscle \u2013 the supraglenoid tubercle of the scapula.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This joint capsule has <strong>two openings<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Between the tubercles of the humerus, <strong>to allow passage of the tendon of the long head of the biceps brachii<\/strong> muscle<\/li><li>Inferior to the coracoid process <strong>to allow communication<\/strong> between the subtendinous bursa of the subscapularis and the synovial cavity of the glenohumeral joint.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition, both the components of the joint capsule are attached more loosely inferiorly and are more redundant. This characteristic accommodates the abduction of the arm.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/span><span class=\"block-heading\" id=\"header_19\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"title_collection title2\">Bursae<\/h4>\n<\/span><span class=\"block-content\" id=\"contents_19\">\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The bursae of the glenohumeral joint include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Subtendinous bursa of subscapularis<\/strong>. Essentially, a <strong>continuation of the synovial membrane<\/strong> of the glenohumeral joint capsule.<\/li><li><strong>Subacromial bursa<\/strong>. Located between the acromion, coracoacromial ligament superiorly, and the supraspinatus tendon and glenohumeral joint capsule inferiorly.<\/li><li>A bursa located between the coracoid process and the joint capsule.<\/li><li>Minor bursae located adjacent to tendons of the muscles surrounding the joint.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<\/span><span class=\"block-heading\" id=\"header_20\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"title_collection title2\">Ligaments<\/h4>\n<\/span><span class=\"block-content\" id=\"contents_20\">\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The joint is reinforced by several <strong>ligaments<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Glenohumeral ligaments<\/strong>. Three fibrous bands (<strong>superior, middle, and inferior ligaments<\/strong>) reinforcing the joint anteriorly. <ul><li>They extend laterally and inferiorly from the glenoid labrum at the level of the supraglenoid tubercle of the scapula to extend with the fibrous layer of the joint capsule, on the anatomical neck of the humerus.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><strong>Coracohumeral ligament<\/strong>. A strong, wide band that extends from the base of the coracoid process to the anterior aspect of the greater tubercle of the humerus.<\/li><li><strong>Transverse humeral ligament<\/strong>. A strong fibrous band passing from the greater to the lesser tubercle of the humerus, bridging over the intertubercular sulcus.<\/li><li><strong>Coracoacromial arch<\/strong>. An <strong>osseoligamentous<\/strong> structure extending between the acromion and the coracoid process. <ul><li>This arch provides structural support and prevents the superior dislocation of the head of the humerus from the glenoid cavity.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition to ligaments, the <strong>tendons of the rotator cuff muscles<\/strong> (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis muscles) merge with the fibrous layer of the joint capsule, creating a musculotendinous structure around the anterior, posterior, and superior aspects of the joint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This structure stabilizes the head of the humerus in the glenoid cavity, without restricting the arm&#8217;s range of motion.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/span><span class=\"block-heading\" id=\"header_21\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"title_collection title2\">Blood supply<\/h4>\n<\/span><span class=\"block-content\" id=\"contents_21\">\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The glenohumeral joint is supplied by the <strong>anterior <\/strong>and <strong>posterior circumflex humeral arteries<\/strong>, as well as branches from the <strong>suprascapular artery<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/span><span class=\"block-heading\" id=\"header_22\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"title_collection title2\">Nerve supply<\/h4>\n<\/span><span class=\"block-content\" id=\"contents_22\">\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The glenohumeral joint is innervated by the <strong>suprascapular, axillary, and lateral pectoral nerves<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/span><span class=\"block-heading\" id=\"header_23\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"title_collection title1\">Scapulothoracic joint<\/h3>\n<\/span><span class=\"block-content\" id=\"contents_23\">\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The scapulothoracic joint is not a &#8220;true&#8221; anatomic joint. Its articulating surfaces are the subscapularis muscle which occupies the anterior surface of the scapula and the thoracic wall (not two bones, as in true anatomical joints), and it has no joint capsule nor ligaments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It allows for the complex scapular movements against the thoracic cage: elevation and depression, protraction and retraction, and medial and lateral rotation.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/span><span class=\"block-heading\" id=\"header_24\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"title_collection title2\">Blood supply<\/h4>\n<\/span><span class=\"block-content\" id=\"contents_24\">\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The scapulothoracic joint is supplied by the <strong>posterior intercostal, dorsal scapular, <\/strong>and <strong>thoracodorsal arteries<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/span><span class=\"block-heading\" id=\"header_25\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"title_collection title2\">Innervation<\/h4>\n<\/span><span class=\"block-content\" id=\"contents_25\">\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The scapulothoracic joint is innervated by the <strong>dorsal scapular<\/strong> and <strong>long thoracic nerves<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/span><div id=\"the_titles\" style=\"display:none;\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Description<\/h3><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Joint capsules and bursae<\/h3><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sternoclavicular joint<\/h3><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Structure<\/h4><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Movements<\/h4><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ligaments<\/h4><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Blood supply<\/h4><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Nerve supply<\/h4><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Acromioclavicular joint<\/h3><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Structure<\/h4><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Movement<\/h4><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Joint capsule<\/h4><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ligaments<\/h4><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Blood supply<\/h4><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Nerve supply<\/h4><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Glenohumeral joint<\/h3><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Structure<\/h4><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Joint capsule<\/h4><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bursae<\/h4><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ligaments<\/h4><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Blood supply<\/h4><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Nerve supply<\/h4><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Scapulothoracic joint<\/h3><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Blood supply<\/h4><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Innervation<\/h4><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Description The shoulder joint consists of 4 joints: Sternoclavicular joint Acromioclavicular joint Glenohumeral joint Scapulothoracic joint (not a &#8220;true&#8221; anatomical joint&#8221;) These joints collectively make up the connection between the clavicle, scapula, thoracic cage, and the humorous, allowing the various movements of the shoulder and arm: Elevation Depression Protraction Retraction Rotation Joint Type Ligaments Blood [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":5857,"menu_order":4,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-3591","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Shoulder joint &#8211; Meddists<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/meddists.com\/learn\/pre-clinical\/anatomy\/upper-limb\/shoulder\/shoulder-joint\/\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"8 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/meddists.com\\\/learn\\\/pre-clinical\\\/anatomy\\\/upper-limb\\\/shoulder\\\/shoulder-joint\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/meddists.com\\\/learn\\\/pre-clinical\\\/anatomy\\\/upper-limb\\\/shoulder\\\/shoulder-joint\\\/\",\"name\":\"Shoulder joint &#8211; 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