The Shoulder Girdle: Introduction
Anatomy & Physiology
Overview
In this lesson, we introduce the shoulder girdle, including its bones, joints, and muscles that connect it to the rib cage and spine.
Objective
Become familiar with the anatomy of the shoulder complex, including the specific bones, joints, and muscles that make up this mobile yet vulnerable structure.
What You'll Get
You'll walk away with a clear map of the shoulder girdle's architecture—from the collarbones and shoulder blades to the rotator cuff muscles that stabilize the joint. Whether you're working on your own shoulder health or teaching others, you'll understand why this structure sacrifices stability for range of motion, where each of the four rotator cuff muscles lives, and how to stretch them. This foundation is essential for anyone looking to prevent injury, rehabilitate existing issues, or simply move with more intelligence through practice and daily life.
Questions Answered Here
- What are some different names for the shoulder girdle?
- What makes up the shoulder complex?
- What specific bones and joints are in the shoulder girdle?
- Name the muscles that are primarily responsible for connecting the shoulder girdle to the rib cage and spine.
- What is the function of the rotator cuff as a whole?
- What four muscles make up the rotator cuff? Where are they located and what is the role of each?
- Describe a stretch for each of the four muscles.
Introduction
- The shoulder girdle is also called the pectoral girdle or the shoulder complex.
- It is bounded by the shoulder blades (scapulae) in back and the collarbones (clavicle) in front.
- It has only one bony connection to the trunk at the front of the chest: the sterno clavicular joint where the collarbones meet the breast bone (sternum).
- It includes bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons.
- When standing, the upper arm is not involved in weight bearing and is designed to move freely. As a result, the shoulder girdle’s design sacrifices stability for a greater range of motion.
- Our focus here is on the shoulder joint and the muscles that move the shoulder blade and upper arms. But, of course, there is a close relationship between the shoulders and the thoracic spine and neck as well.
See Also
- Anatomy of the Spine
- Injuries & Conditions: Neck, Shoulders, Upper Back.
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