Gross Anatomy of the Female Infrascapular Region Posterior Aspect

Description

Posterior to the thoracic wall, the scapula sits lateral to the vertebral column, its spine dividing the supraspinous and infraspinous fossae and framing the infrascapular region along the inferior angle. Over the infraspinous fossa, infraspinatus runs inferolaterally toward the greater tubercle, bordered superiorly by posterior deltoid and inferiorly by teres minor and teres major as they converge on the proximal humerus. Medial to the scapular border, rhomboid major and the lower fibers of trapezius anchor the scapula to the midline, while latissimus dorsi sweeps superolaterally from the thoracolumbar fascia to form the posterior axillary fold. Surface anatomy matters here. Posterior shoulder pain and weakness often trace back to the rotator cuff, and the infrascapular view clarifies how infraspinatus and teres minor relate to the posterior glenohumeral joint capsule and the greater tubercle footprint. Clinically, this is where you correlate a positive external rotation lag sign with infraspinatus pathology, recognize the course of the axillary nerve and posterior circumflex humeral vessels near the quadrangular space during a posterior approach, and explain why scapular dyskinesis can mimic cuff disease by altering the scapulothoracic resting position. Expect to use this plate in cadaveric dissection guides for back and shoulder blocks, in orthopedic and sports medicine teaching on posterior rotator cuff tears, and in physical therapy materials that cue palpation of the scapular spine, medial border, and inferior angle for strengthening and taping strategies. Clean landmarks. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.