Shoulder Anatomy

Shoulder Anatomy Overview

Classified as the most flexible joint in the human body, the shoulder is formed where the humerus (upper arm bone) fits into the glenoid of the scapula (shoulder blade), forming a ball and socket joint. Other important structures are involved in shoulder motion and function, including acromioclavicular and scapulothoracic joints within the shoulder, cartilage, ligaments, tendons and muscles. All of these structures work in unison to provide a wide range of motion and allow individuals to participate in athletic activities, perform work movements and enjoy everyday activities. Located in the Van Nuys, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks and Los Angeles, California communities, Dr. Mark Getelman, shoulder specialist, specializes in disorders of the shoulder with expert understanding of the anatomy of the shoulder and strives to return patients to an active, healthy lifestyle following a shoulder injury.

The shoulder is one of the largest and most complex joints in the human body and is composed of several bones, including:

Humerus (upper arm bone)
Scapula (shoulder blade)
Clavicle (collarbone)
Acromion (bony projection of the scapula)
Coracoid process (hook-like bony projection from the shoulder blade)

The scapula extends up and around the shoulder at the rear to form a roof, known as the acromion, and around the shoulder joint at the front to form the coracoid process. The end of the scapula, known as the glenoid, meets the head of the humerus to form the glenohumeral joint.

The humerus, scapula and clavicle form three separate joints within the shoulder, including:

Acromioclavicular (AC) joint: This joint provides a lifting ability and is located at the top of the shoulder.
Sternoclavicular (SC) joint: This joint allows movement of the clavicle and is located at the center of the chest.
Glenohumeral joint: This joint allows the arm to move up and down, in and out and to rotate and is created by the union of the humerus and scapula.

A number of other structures are involved in anatomy of the shoulder, including:

Articular cartilage: Located in the joint cavity, this smooth, white tissue covers the ends of the bones and provides a pain-free gliding surface for the bones.
Labrum: The labrum is a ring of fibrous cartilage surrounding the end of the scapula (glenoid) and is responsible for stabilizing the shoulder joint.
Rotator cuff: Providing support and range of motion to the shoulder joint, the rotator cuff is a collection of 4 muscles and tendons that provide dynamic stability to the shoulder.

A number of ligaments connect the bones of the shoulder, and numerous tendons attach the bones to muscles within the joints. All of these structures making up the anatomy of the shoulder work together to allow shoulder movement and function, and provide stability for the arm.

The anatomy of the shoulder is complex and contains a number of structures and soft tissues that can sustain injury and cause pain and other discomfort. Common shoulder injuries include:

Rotator cuff tears
Shoulder fractures
Dislocated shoulder
Biceps tendon tears
Frozen shoulder
Snapping scapula

For additional resources on shoulder anatomy, please contact the Van Nuys, Thousand Oaks or Los Angeles, California orthopedic office of shoulder specialist Dr. Mark Getelman.

Mark Getelman, MD

Average rating:

123 reviews

John P

Aug 14, 2024

by John P on Mark Getelman, MD

I am so eternally thankful for Dr. Getelman’s skillful repair of my right shoulder. Pain is mostly absent. Limitations are great, as far as weight bearing and quick muscle movements, but the absence of pain has greatly made sleep, reaching for items, using a kitchen knife once again, washing my hair and brushing my teeth "normal" once more.

His time and expertise on my surgery is much appreciated.

To think about the quality of some regularity he will return to the next patient from a truly grateful past candidate.

Thank you Doctor, for your steady hand and complex, complicated, compassionate repair.

Sincerely,

John P.

Steven

Apr 30, 2018

by Steven on Mark Getelman, MD

Shoulder Rotator cuff pantient

Dr. Getelman and his assistant Katie did an excellent job on my rotator cuff surgery April 12, 2017. The shoulder needed an extensive amount of work. I took PT (physical therapy) very seriously the following four months. Due to a successful surgery and a lot of PT I was able to get all my range of motion back and great strength. I also approved on how efficient the office staff are. I am very thankful to all that helped me.

Anonymous

Apr 12, 2018

by Anonymous on Mark Getelman, MD

They are very knowledgeable and professional.

I had an excellent experience with Dr. Getelman and his staff. They are very knowledgeable and professional.

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Shoulder Anatomy

Shoulder Anatomy Overview

Shoulder Anatomy

The shoulder is one of the largest and most complex joints in the human body and is composed of several bones, including:

The humerus, scapula and clavicle form three separate joints within the shoulder, including:

A number of other structures are involved in anatomy of the shoulder, including:

The anatomy of the shoulder is complex and contains a number of structures and soft tissues that can sustain injury and cause pain and other discomfort. Common shoulder injuries include:

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