Suprascapular notch
Encyclopedia
The suprascapular notch (or scapular notch) is a notch in the superior border of the scapula
, just medial to the base of the coracoid process. Any mass in the suprascapular notch will affect both supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscle leading to atrophy.
This notch is converted into a foramen
by the superior transverse ligament
, and serves for the passage of the suprascapular nerve
(but not its corresponding artery
); sometimes the ligament is ossified. The suprascapular artery travels superiorly to the superior transverse ligament.
Scapula
In anatomy, the scapula , omo, or shoulder blade, is the bone that connects the humerus with the clavicle ....
, just medial to the base of the coracoid process. Any mass in the suprascapular notch will affect both supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscle leading to atrophy.
This notch is converted into a foramen
Foramen
In anatomy, a foramen is any opening. Foramina inside the body of humans and other animals typically allow muscles, nerves, arteries, veins, or other structures to connect one part of the body with another.-Skull:...
by the superior transverse ligament
Superior transverse ligament
For the scapular ligament see Superior transverse scapular ligamentThe superior transverse ligament of the eye is a transverse ligament in the eye surrounding the superior palpebral levator muscle close to it's partial implantation into the skin of the upper eyelid...
, and serves for the passage of the suprascapular nerve
Suprascapular nerve
The suprascapular nerve arises from the upper trunk . It innervates the supraspinatus muscles and infraspinatus muscles....
(but not its corresponding artery
Suprascapular artery
The suprascapular artery is a branch of the thyrocervical trunk.-Course:At first, it passes downward and laterally across the scalenus anterior and phrenic nerve, being covered by the sternocleidomastoid muscle; it then crosses the subclavian artery and the brachial plexus, running behind and...
); sometimes the ligament is ossified. The suprascapular artery travels superiorly to the superior transverse ligament.
See also
- Suprascapular arterySuprascapular arteryThe suprascapular artery is a branch of the thyrocervical trunk.-Course:At first, it passes downward and laterally across the scalenus anterior and phrenic nerve, being covered by the sternocleidomastoid muscle; it then crosses the subclavian artery and the brachial plexus, running behind and...
- Superior transverse scapular ligamentSuperior transverse scapular ligamentThe superior transverse ligament converts the scapular notch into a foramen or opening.It is a thin and flat fasciculus, narrower at the middle than at the extremities, attached by one end to the base of the coracoid process, and by the other to the medial end of the scapular notch.The...
- Suprascapular nerveSuprascapular nerveThe suprascapular nerve arises from the upper trunk . It innervates the supraspinatus muscles and infraspinatus muscles....