Scapular Region

Description

Posterior thoracic wall and shoulder girdle are presented from a rear view, with the scapulae resting on ribs 2 through 7 and gliding over the serratus anterior interface. Along the midline, the cervical and upper thoracic spinous processes provide a reference for the medial borders of each scapula, while the scapular spines run superolateral toward the acromion and frame the supraspinous and infraspinous fossae. Blue kinesiology tape spans the upper trapezius toward the lateral clavicular region and across the posterolateral shoulder, aligning with the deltoid contour over the acromion and proximal humerus. Arms held slightly abducted. Clear landmarks. Scapular positioning in this projection matters because subtle asymmetry of the medial border, inferior angle, or acromial height often signals scapulothoracic dyskinesis, a common contributor to subacromial pain and rotator cuff overload in overhead activity. Taping patterns like those shown are frequently applied to cue upward rotation and posterior tilt by supporting trapezius and serratus anterior activation, and they help clinicians discuss why weakness of the long thoracic nerve (serratus anterior palsy) produces medial border winging, while spinal accessory nerve injury depresses the shoulder and alters the scapular resting position. Palpation and surface marking also start here, using the scapular spine to estimate the T3 level and the inferior angle to approximate T7 in many adults. Appropriate for gross anatomy teaching on the posterior trunk, sports medicine and physical therapy modules on scapular mechanics, and clinical handouts on kinesiology taping for shoulder impingement and postural retraining. Publishers will also find it useful for illustrating surface anatomy landmarks for physical examination of the scapula, trapezius, and deltoid in a realistic adult male body habitus. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.