Ligamentsof shoulder joint diagram
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shoulder joint ligaments diagram anatomy labeled
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Here are the ligaments of the shoulder joint, with diagrams from the THIEME Atlas of Anatomy and supplementary illustrations:
Ligaments of the Shoulder Joint
Diagram 1 - Anterior view (capsule and ligaments, right shoulder)
THIEME Atlas of General Anatomy and Musculoskeletal System, p. 284
Diagram 2 - Glenohumeral ligaments and coracohumeral ligament (color-coded)
THIEME Atlas of General Anatomy and Musculoskeletal System, p. 266
Diagram 3 - Overview of shoulder ligaments
Diagram 4 - Detailed labeled diagram (all named ligaments)
Summary of Ligaments
| Ligament | Attachment | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Superior glenohumeral ligament | Superior glenoid rim → lesser tubercle | Limits inferior translation when arm at side |
| Middle glenohumeral ligament | Anterior glenoid rim → lesser tubercle | Limits external rotation and anterior translation (arm at 45°) |
| Inferior glenohumeral ligament | Inferior glenoid rim → humeral neck | Primary stabilizer against anterior dislocation (arm abducted) |
| Coracohumeral ligament | Base of coracoid process → greater & lesser tubercles | Strengthens superior capsule; supports long head of biceps tendon |
| Coracoacromial ligament | Coracoid process → acromion | Forms the coracoacromial arch; prevents superior humeral escape |
| Acromioclavicular ligament | Acromion → clavicle | Stabilizes the AC joint |
| Coracoclavicular ligament (conoid + trapezoid parts) | Coracoid process → clavicle | Suspends the scapula from the clavicle |
| Transverse humeral ligament | Greater tubercle → lesser tubercle | Holds the biceps tendon in the intertubercular groove |
| Superior transverse scapular ligament | Scapular notch | Converts the notch into a foramen (suprascapular nerve passes through) |
Key Points
- The glenohumeral ligaments (superior, middle, inferior) reinforce the anterior capsule and are the primary static stabilizers against anterior dislocation
- The capsule is thin posteriorly and not reinforced by ligaments - it relies on the rotator cuff muscles there
- The coracoacromial arch (coracoacromial ligament + acromion + coracoid process) limits upward displacement of the humeral head
- When the arm hangs at the side, the inferior capsule forms the axillary recess - a redundant fold allowing for abduction
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