Gross Anatomy of the Female Deltoid Region, Posterior View

Description

Posterior shoulder anatomy is presented on a female figure, centered on the deltoid region where the deltoid muscle caps the lateral aspect of the proximal humerus. Superiorly, the acromion and spine of the scapula form the bony roof and posterior contour of the shoulder, while the clavicle’s lateral end is implied at the acromioclavicular junction. Medial to the deltoid, the scapular surface transitions toward the infraspinous region and the posterior axillary fold, with the arm continuing distally into the brachium. This orientation matters when you need to teach surface anatomy and safe posterior approaches around the shoulder. Intramuscular injection into the deltoid is common, but the posterior-lateral shoulder is also where clinicians must respect the surgical neck of the humerus and the course of the axillary nerve as it winds through the quadrangular space to enter the deep surface of the deltoid. Small errors in landmarking can translate to neuropraxia, deltoid weakness, or sensory change over the superolateral arm. Landmarks matter. Use this artwork for musculoskeletal anatomy teaching in gross anatomy and physical examination courses, for nursing and vaccination training materials on deltoid site selection, and for orthopedic or sports medicine publications discussing posterior shoulder inspection, deltoid atrophy, and approach planning for shoulder procedures. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.