What kind of joint is the shoulder

The bones of the shoulder consist of the humerus the upper arm bone , the scapula the shoulder blade , and the clavicle the collar bone. The clavicle is the only bony attachment between the trunk and the upper limb. It forms the front portion of the shoulder girdle and is palpable along its entire length with a gentle S-shaped contour. The clavicle articulates at one end with the sternum chest bone and with the acromion of the scapula at the other. This articulation between the acromial end of the clavicle and the acromion of the scapula forms the roof of the shoulder.

The scapula is a large, flat triangular bone with three processes called the acromion, spine and coracoid process. It forms the back portion of the shoulder girdle. The spine which is located at the back of the scapula and the acromion can be readily palpated on a patient.

The flat blade of the scapula glides along the back of the chest allowing for extended movement of the arm. However, this intricate structure is also vulnerable to wear and tear over time, resulting in pain from arthritis and possible injury to any one of the structures.

What Is Shoulder Subacromial Bursitis? You are here Types Joint Anatomy. Shoulder Joint Structure share pin it Newsletters. By Ana Bracilovic, MD. Peer Reviewed. It is rimmed with soft tissue called the labrum that makes a deeper socket that molds to fit the humeral head. The joint capsule surrounds the shoulder joint. It is a fluid filled sac that lubricates the joint.

It is made up of ligaments. Ligaments are soft tissue that holds bone to bone.