Anatomical Characteristics Of The Supraspinous Fossa Of The Scapula

Description

Supraspinous fossa of the scapula occupies the shallow concavity superior to the scapular spine on the posterior surface of the shoulder blade. The scapular spine runs transversely and laterally to the acromion, forming a firm inferior boundary for the fossa, while the superior border of the scapula and the base of the coracoid process sit anterosuperior to it. Medially, the fossa narrows toward the vertebral (medial) border, and laterally it approaches the neck of the scapula, just posterior to the glenoid cavity. Infraspinous fossa lies immediately inferior, separated by the spine’s prominent ridge. Clinically, this surface matters because it is the broad origin for the supraspinatus muscle, whose tendon passes laterally beneath the acromion toward the greater tubercle of the humerus and is frequently involved in rotator cuff tendinopathy and full-thickness tears. The bony relief around the acromion and spine provides reliable landmarks when teaching scapular orientation, palpation, and the relationship of the supraspinatus to the subacromial space. Fine contouring of the fossa also helps readers understand why muscle bulk in the supraspinatus region can be limited compared with the larger infraspinatus below. A common pain generator. Use this illustration in gross anatomy and kinesiology courses when introducing the posterior scapula, in orthopedic or sports medicine publications discussing supraspinatus pathology and subacromial impingement, or in preoperative planning figures that need stable osseous landmarks for arthroscopic portals and acromial morphology. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.