Coracoid: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:35, 15 February 2025

Coracoid Process[edit]

The coracoid process is a small hook-like structure on the lateral edge of the superior anterior portion of the scapula. It is an important anatomical landmark in the shoulder region and serves as an attachment point for several muscles and ligaments.

Anatomy[edit]

The coracoid process projects anteriorly and laterally from the scapula, providing a stabilizing structure for the shoulder joint. It is palpable just below the lateral end of the clavicle.

Muscle Attachments[edit]

Several muscles attach to the coracoid process, playing crucial roles in the movement and stabilization of the shoulder:

Pectoralis minor: This muscle originates from the third to fifth ribs and inserts onto the coracoid process. It functions to stabilize the scapula by drawing it anteriorly and inferiorly against the thoracic wall.

Coracobrachialis: Originating from the coracoid process, this muscle inserts onto the medial surface of the humerus. It acts to flex and adduct the arm at the shoulder joint.

Biceps brachii (short head): The short head of the biceps brachii originates from the coracoid process and joins with the long head to insert onto the radial tuberosity. It is involved in flexion of the elbow and supination of the forearm.

Ligament Attachments[edit]

The coracoid process also serves as an attachment point for several ligaments:

Coracoacromial ligament: This ligament extends from the coracoid process to the acromion, forming a protective arch over the head of the humerus.

Coracoclavicular ligament: Comprising the conoid and trapezoid ligaments, this structure connects the coracoid process to the clavicle, providing stability to the acromioclavicular joint.

Clinical Significance[edit]

The coracoid process is a key landmark in various surgical procedures involving the shoulder. It is also a site of potential injury, such as fractures or avulsion injuries, often resulting from direct trauma or excessive muscular contraction.

Related Pages[edit]

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-'''Coracoid''' is a small hook-like structure on the lateral edge of the superior anterior part of the [[scapula]]. Pointing laterally forward, it, together with the acromion, serves to stabilize the [[shoulder joint]]. It is also known as ''coracoid process'', or ''processus coracoideus''.
+== Coracoid Process ==
-== Anatomy ==
+[[File:Wing_Muscles,_color.svg|thumb|right|Diagram of the coracoid process and surrounding muscles.]]
-The coracoid process is a thick curved structure attached to the upper part of the neck of the [[scapula]]. It is placed laterally at a higher level than the spine.
+The '''coracoid process''' is a small hook-like structure on the lateral edge of the superior anterior portion of the [[scapula]]. It is an important anatomical landmark in the shoulder region and serves as an attachment point for several muscles and ligaments.
-=== Structure ===
+=== Anatomy ===
-The coracoid process is curved and somewhat resembles a crow's beak. It is directed laterally and forwards, and slightly upwards. Its base is flattened and rough, and it serves for the attachment of the [[pectoralis minor]] muscle.
+The coracoid process projects anteriorly and laterally from the scapula, providing a stabilizing structure for the shoulder joint. It is palpable just below the lateral end of the [[clavicle]].
-== Function ==
+=== Muscle Attachments ===
-The coracoid process serves as a point of attachment for several structures:
+Several muscles attach to the coracoid process, playing crucial roles in the movement and stabilization of the shoulder:
-* The [[pectoralis minor]] muscle attaches to the coracoid process.
+* '''[[Pectoralis minor]]''': This muscle originates from the third to fifth ribs and inserts onto the coracoid process. It functions to stabilize the scapula by drawing it anteriorly and inferiorly against the thoracic wall.
-* The [[coracobrachialis]] muscle originates from the coracoid process.
-* The [[short head of the biceps brachii]] also has its origin at the coracoid process.
-== Clinical significance ==
+* '''[[Coracobrachialis]]''': Originating from the coracoid process, this muscle inserts onto the medial surface of the humerus. It acts to flex and adduct the arm at the shoulder joint.
-Injury to the coracoid process can lead to a variety of problems, including [[shoulder pain]] and instability. It can also be involved in certain surgical procedures, such as the [[Latarjet procedure]], which is used to treat recurrent shoulder dislocations.
+* '''[[Biceps brachii]] (short head)''': The short head of the biceps brachii originates from the coracoid process and joins with the long head to insert onto the radial tuberosity. It is involved in flexion of the elbow and supination of the forearm.
-== See also ==
+=== Ligament Attachments ===
+The coracoid process also serves as an attachment point for several ligaments:
+* '''[[Coracoacromial ligament]]''': This ligament extends from the coracoid process to the acromion, forming a protective arch over the head of the humerus.
+* '''[[Coracoclavicular ligament]]''': Comprising the conoid and trapezoid ligaments, this structure connects the coracoid process to the clavicle, providing stability to the acromioclavicular joint.
+=== Clinical Significance ===
+The coracoid process is a key landmark in various surgical procedures involving the shoulder. It is also a site of potential injury, such as fractures or avulsion injuries, often resulting from direct trauma or excessive muscular contraction.
+== Related Pages ==
 * [[Scapula]]
 * [[Shoulder joint]]
 * [[Pectoralis minor]]
-* [[Coracobrachialis]]
 * [[Biceps brachii]]
-== References ==
+[[Category:Anatomy of the upper limb]]
-<references />
-{{stub}}
-[[Category:Anatomy]]
-[[Category:Orthopedics]]
-[[Category:Medical terms]]