Supraglenoid tubercle is a term used to describe a bony protuberance found on the scapula, which is an anatomical structure of the human body. The phonetic transcription of this word is /suːprəˈɡliːnɔɪd ˈtjuːbəkəl/. The word is made up of four syllables, which are pronounced in a specific sequence. The first syllable, "su-", is pronounced as "soo", followed by "pra" which is pronounced as "prah". The third syllable "-glen-" is pronounced as "glin", and the final syllable, "-oid", is pronounced as "oyd". The word "tubercle" is pronounced as "too-ber-kuhl".
The supraglenoid tubercle is a bony prominence located on the superior aspect of the scapula (shoulder blade) near its glenoid fossa. It is an anatomical landmark that serves as an attachment site for various ligaments and tendons involved in shoulder joint stability and movement.
Anatomically, the supraglenoid tubercle is found above the glenoid fossa and lateral to the base of the coracoid process. It appears as a small, round elevation or protuberance on the scapula's superior surface. This bony prominence provides an attachment point for the long head of the biceps brachii muscle.
The supraglenoid tubercle plays an essential role in stabilizing the shoulder joint, specifically the glenohumeral joint. It serves as the origin for the long head of the biceps tendon, which courses through the shoulder joint and inserts into the proximal humerus. The biceps tendon's attachment to the supraglenoid tubercle allows for elbow flexion, forearm supination, and assistance in certain shoulder movements, such as shoulder flexion and abduction.
Understanding the location and function of the supraglenoid tubercle is crucial in the evaluation and management of shoulder-related conditions such as tendinitis, biceps tears, and overall shoulder instability.
A rough surface just above the glenoid cavity of the scapula, giving attachment to the large head of the biceps muscle.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "supraglenoid tubercle" consists of two parts: "supraglenoid" and "tubercle".
The term "supraglenoid" is derived from the Latin words "supra", meaning "above" or "on top", and "glenoid", which refers to the glenoid cavity. The glenoid cavity is a shallow depression on the scapula (shoulder blade) that articulates with the head of the humerus (upper arm bone) to form the shoulder joint.
The word "tubercle" comes from the Latin term "tuberculum", meaning a small swelling or protuberance. In anatomy, a tubercle typically refers to a small projection or bump on a bone.
Therefore, the "supraglenoid tubercle" is a small protrusion or elevation located above the glenoid cavity of the scapula.