Pronunciation: [skˈapjʊlə] (IPA) 
The word "scapula" is spelled with two syllables: ska-pyoo-luh. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /skəˈpjuːlə/. The "sc" in the beginning is pronounced like "sk" as in "skin". The "a" is pronounced as "uh" and "u" is pronounced as "yoo." Meanwhile, "l" is pronounced as "luh." Scapula refers to the shoulder blade bone in vertebrates. Accurate spelling is important for medical professionals and students who study anatomy.
The scapula, also known as the shoulder blade, is a flat, triangular-shaped bone located on the posterior or back side of the upper thorax. It is one of the two bones that make up the pectoral girdle or shoulder girdle, the other being the clavicle or collarbone. The scapula connects the upper arm bone, called the humerus, with the collarbone and forms part of the shoulder joint.
The scapula has several prominent landmarks, including the acromion process, which forms the highest point of the shoulder, and the glenoid cavity or fossa, a shallow socket that articulates with the head of the humerus to form the glenohumeral joint or shoulder joint. Near the spine of the scapula is the supraspinous fossa, and below it lies the infraspinous fossa. These fossae provide attachment sites for certain muscles involved in shoulder movement and stabilization.
The scapula itself is covered by groups of muscles that facilitate shoulder and arm movements, including the trapezius, deltoid, and rotator cuff muscles. These muscles help to support and stabilize the shoulder joint, while also enabling various movements like rotation, abduction, and adduction of the arm.
In summary, the scapula is the flat, triangular bone situated on the back of the upper thorax, forming part of the pectoral girdle and connecting the upper arm bone to the collarbone. Its various prominent features and attachment sites play a crucial role in shoulder movement and stability.
The shoulder-blade; a large triangular flattened bone lying over the ribs posteriorly on either side, articulating by its outer angle with the clavicle and the humerus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The blade-bone of the shoulder.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word scapula originated from the Latin term scapulae, which is the plural form of scapula. In Latin, scapulae refers to the bones found on a person's back, commonly known as the shoulder blades. The word scapula itself is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *skabh-, which means to cut or to scrape. This root is also the origin of other related words such as scabbard and scaly.
