Medial Border Of The Scapula In Posterior View

Description

Running vertically along the posterior thoracic wall, the medial (vertebral) border of the scapula is traced from the superior angle down to the inferior angle, with the scapular spine and acromion projecting laterally toward the shoulder. The animation orients the bone in a true posterior view, keeping the medial border parallel to the vertebral column while the costal surface remains anterior against the ribs. Subtle rotation clarifies how this margin sits medial to the glenoid cavity and humeral head, framing the scapulothoracic interface. Palpation and motion assessment often start here. Medial border prominence is a classic cue in scapular winging, whether from serratus anterior dysfunction (long thoracic nerve palsy) or less commonly trapezius weakness (spinal accessory nerve injury), and the posterior sequence helps distinguish static bony contour from dynamic dyskinesis during upward rotation. Seeing the border’s relationship to the rib cage over time also supports teaching of scapulothoracic “glide” and how altered positioning can narrow the subacromial space during elevation. Use this animation in shoulder and thorax anatomy labs to anchor surface anatomy landmarks (superior angle at roughly T2, inferior angle around T7) and to support lectures on scapular kinematics, posture, and rehabilitation screening. It also fits orthopaedic and sports medicine content discussing winged scapula, periscapular pain, and physical exam documentation where a posterior reference view matters. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.