Supraspinous fossa

Structure

The fossa can be exposed by the removal of skin and the superficial fascia of the back and the trapezius muscle.

The supraspinous fossa is bounded by the spine of scapula on the inferior side, acromion process on the lateral side and the superior angle of scapula on the superior side.

Supraspinatus muscle originates from the supraspinous fossa. Distal attachment of the levator scapulae muscle is also on the medial aspect of the fossa.

Function

The suprascapular artery and nerve are found within the fossa. The posterior branch of the suprascapular artery supplies the supraspinatous muscle. Dorsal scapular artery also gives off a collateral branch and anastomoses with the suprascapular artery. Suprascapular nerve from the brachial plexus passes through the suprascapular notch as it approaches the fossa to supply the supraspinatus muscle. Suprascapular artery and nerve descend together but are separated by the superior transverse scapular ligament at the suprascapular notch.

Clinical significance

Rotator cuff tear

Main article: Rotator cuff tear}}Hollowing in the supraspinous and the infraspinous area is frequently seen as chronic rotator cuff tear resulting in wasting.{{Cite book

Additional images

File:Posterior surface of scapula.jpg|The human scapula File:Supraspinous fossa of left scapula - animation01.gif|Supraspinous fossa shown in red. File:Supraspinous fossa of scapula - animation02.gif|Supraspinous fossa shown in red.

References

References

1. (2013-02-13). "Clinically Oriented Anatomy". LWW.
2. (2013-01-01). "Clinical Mechanics and Kinesiology". Human Kinetics.