Shoulder and Humerus, Posterior View

Description

Posterior shoulder anatomy is presented with the scapula lying superficial to the posterior thoracic wall, its spine running transversely to separate the supraspinous fossa superiorly from the infraspinous fossa inferiorly. Lateral to the spine, the acromion projects over the glenohumeral joint, meeting the distal clavicle at the acromioclavicular articulation. The humeral head sits lateral to the glenoid cavity, and the proximal humeral shaft descends inferiorly with the surgical neck narrowing just distal to the head and tubercles. Cartilage is indicated over the humeral articular surface. Orientation from behind matters because many clinically relevant landmarks are posterior or are best conceptualized posteriorly: the scapular spine guides palpation, the acromion frames subacromial space discussions, and the humeral surgical neck flags a common fracture site. Surgical neck fractures place the axillary nerve and posterior circumflex humeral artery at risk as they pass through the quadrangular space to wrap around the proximal humerus, and that relationship is easier to teach when the bony contour is clear. Short and clear. Use this plate for gross anatomy lab teaching on the pectoral girdle and brachium, for orthopaedic and sports medicine lectures covering glenohumeral biomechanics and proximal humerus fractures, or as a figure in procedural guides where posterior bony landmarks are used for examination and documentation. It also fits well in radiology primers when correlating posterior surface anatomy with AP and scapular Y shoulder projections. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.