Topic Overview

Frequently Asked Questions – Scapular Region

Landmarks & Basics

Q1. Which vertebra corresponds to the spine of scapula?
→ T3.

Q2. Which vertebra corresponds to the inferior angle of scapula?
→ T7.

Q3. What forms the posterior axillary fold?
→ Latissimus dorsi and teres major.

Q4. Which muscle covers the shoulder joint laterally?
→ Deltoid.

Q5. Which fossa is occupied by supraspinatus?
→ Supraspinous fossa.

Q6. Which fossa is occupied by infraspinatus?
→ Infraspinous fossa.

Muscles

Q7. Nerve supply of deltoid?
→ Axillary nerve (C5, C6).

Q8. Chief abductor of shoulder joint?
→ Deltoid (15°–90°).

Q9. Which muscle initiates abduction of arm?
→ Supraspinatus (0–15°).

Q10. Which muscles cause lateral rotation of arm?
→ Infraspinatus, Teres minor.

Q11. Which muscle causes medial rotation of arm?
→ Subscapularis (also teres major, latissimus dorsi).

Q12. Which muscles form the rotator cuff?
→ Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres minor, Subscapularis (SITS).

Q13. Nerve supply of supraspinatus and infraspinatus?
→ Suprascapular nerve (C5, C6).

Q14. Nerve supply of teres minor?
→ Axillary nerve (C5, C6).

Q15. Nerve supply of subscapularis?
→ Upper and lower subscapular nerves (C5–C7).

Q16. Nerve supply of teres major?
→ Lower subscapular nerve (C5, C6).

Intermuscular Spaces

Q17. Boundaries of quadrangular space?
→ Above – teres minor; Below – teres major; Medial – long head of triceps; Lateral – surgical neck of humerus.

Q18. Contents of quadrangular space?
→ Axillary nerve, posterior circumflex humeral vessels.

Q19. Boundaries of upper triangular space?
→ Above – teres minor; Below – teres major; Lateral – long head of triceps.

Q20. Contents of upper triangular space?
→ Circumflex scapular artery.

Q21. Boundaries of lower triangular space (triangular interval)?
→ Above – teres major; Medial – long head of triceps; Lateral – lateral head of triceps/humerus.

Q22. Contents of lower triangular space?
→ Radial nerve, profunda brachii artery.

Axillary (Circumflex) Nerve

Q23. Root value of axillary nerve?
→ C5, C6.

Q24. Which muscles does axillary nerve supply?
→ Deltoid, teres minor.

Q25. Which cutaneous area is supplied by axillary nerve?
→ Upper lateral cutaneous nerve of arm (regimental badge area).

Q26. Which movements are lost in axillary nerve injury?
→ Abduction beyond 15°, external rotation (partly).

Q27. Common causes of axillary nerve injury?
→ Fracture of surgical neck of humerus, shoulder dislocation, misuse of crutches.

Rotator Cuff

Q28. Which tendon is most commonly torn in rotator cuff injuries?
→ Supraspinatus.

Q29. What is painful arc syndrome?
→ Pain during 60–120° abduction, usually due to supraspinatus tendon impingement.

Q30. Clinical test for supraspinatus tendon?
→ Empty can test.

Q31. Clinical test for infraspinatus/teres minor?
→ External rotation test.

Q32. Clinical test for subscapularis?
→ Lift-off test.

Scapular Anastomosis

Q33. Which arteries form scapular anastomosis?
→ Suprascapular, dorsal scapular, circumflex scapular, acromial branch of thoracoacromial artery.

Q34. Clinical importance of scapular anastomosis?
→ Maintains collateral circulation if axillary artery ligated/obstructed.