What are the muscle attachments to scapula
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scapula muscle attachments anatomy diagram
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Muscle Attachments to the Scapula
A total of 18 muscles attach to the scapula. They are divided into two systems:
- Scapuloaxial system — connects the scapula to the axial skeleton (vertebral column, ribs, chest wall); controls scapular movement over the thorax
- Scapulorachial system — originates from the scapula and inserts into the bones of the arm; controls the glenohumeral joint
Visual Overview
Complete Muscle Attachment Table
| Muscle | Scapular Attachment (Origin/Insertion) | Other Attachment | Nerve |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biceps brachii | Short head: tip of coracoid process; Long head: supraglenoid tubercle | Radial tuberosity | Musculocutaneous |
| Coracobrachialis | Coracoid process (origin) | Medial midshaft humerus | Musculocutaneous |
| Deltoid | Acromion + lower lip of spine of scapula (origin) | Deltoid tuberosity of humerus | Axillary |
| Infraspinatus | Infraspinous fossa (origin) | Greater tubercle of humerus (middle facet) | Suprascapular |
| Latissimus dorsi | Sometimes inferior angle of scapula (minor slip) | T7–sacrum, iliac crest → intertubercular groove | Thoracodorsal |
| Levator scapulae | Medial border — superior angle to root of spine (insertion) | Transverse processes C1–C4 | Dorsal scapular |
| Omohyoid (inferior belly) | Upper border of scapula (origin) | Hyoid bone | Ansa cervicalis |
| Pectoralis minor | Coracoid process (insertion) | Ribs 3–5 | Medial pectoral |
| Rhomboid major | Medial border inferior to spine of scapula (insertion) | Spines T2–T5 | Dorsal scapular |
| Rhomboid minor | Medial border at root of spine of scapula (insertion) | Ligamentum nuchae, spines C7–T1 | Dorsal scapular |
| Serratus anterior | Anterior aspect of entire medial border (insertion) | Upper 10 ribs | Long thoracic |
| Subscapularis | Medial two-thirds of costal (subscapular) fossa (origin) | Lesser tubercle of humerus | Upper & lower subscapular |
| Supraspinatus | Supraspinous fossa (origin) | Greater tubercle of humerus (highest facet) | Suprascapular |
| Teres major | Dorsal surface of inferior angle (origin) | Crest of lesser tubercle of humerus | Lower subscapular |
| Teres minor | Upper two-thirds of lateral border (origin) | Greater tubercle of humerus (lowest facet) | Axillary |
| Trapezius | Spine of scapula, acromion, lateral clavicle (insertion) | Occipital bone, ligamentum nuchae, C7–T12 | Accessory (CN XI) |
| Triceps brachii (long head) | Infraglenoid tubercle (origin) | Olecranon | Radial |
| Omohyoid (already listed above) |
Organized by Location on Scapula
Costal (Anterior) Surface
- Subscapularis — fills the entire subscapular fossa
Supraspinous Fossa
- Supraspinatus
Infraspinous Fossa
- Infraspinatus
Medial Border
- Serratus anterior — entire medial border (anterior aspect)
- Rhomboid major — medial border below the spine
- Rhomboid minor — medial border at the root of the spine
- Levator scapulae — superior angle to the root of the spine
Lateral Border
- Teres minor — upper two-thirds
- Teres major — inferior angle
Glenoid Region
- Biceps brachii (long head) — supraglenoid tubercle
- Triceps brachii (long head) — infraglenoid tubercle
Coracoid Process
- Biceps brachii (short head) — tip
- Coracobrachialis — tip
- Pectoralis minor — inserts here
Spine & Acromion
- Deltoid — lower lip of spine + acromion
- Trapezius — inserts onto spine and acromion
Superior Border
- Omohyoid (inferior belly) — superior border / scapular notch region
Key Clinical Notes
- The rotator cuff = supraspinatus + infraspinatus + teres minor + subscapularis; all originate from scapular fossae or borders and stabilize the glenohumeral joint
- Serratus anterior (long thoracic nerve) holds the scapula against the thorax; paralysis → winged scapula
- Rhomboids + levator scapulae + trapezius form the scapuloaxial system maintaining the scapula between T1–T9 levels
Sources: Imaging Anatomy Vol. 3 (Table 2.3); Rockwood & Green's Fractures in Adults 10th ed. (Chapter 33); Gray's Anatomy for Students
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