What is the anatomical term for the shoulder blade?

The anatomical term for the shoulder blade is the scapula. This flat, triangular bone is located at the back of the shoulder and plays a crucial role in the movement and stability of the shoulder joint. It provides attachment points for several muscles that are critical for shoulder movements, such as the rotator cuff muscles, the deltoid, and others.

Additionally, the scapula connects the humerus to the axial skeleton via the clavicle, allowing for a wide range of shoulder motions. Understanding the role and structure of the scapula is important for analyzing shoulder mechanics and addressing various injuries or conditions that may arise in this area.

The clavicle, while it is a part of the shoulder girdle, refers to the collarbone, and not the shoulder blade itself. The humerus is the long bone of the upper arm that connects at the shoulder joint, and the sternum is the breastbone located centrally in the chest, all of which are different bones and not synonymous with the scapula.