scapula

views updated Jun 27 2018

scapula (shoulder blade) The largest of the bones that make up each half of the pectoral (shoulder) girdle. It is a flat triangular bone, providing anchorage for the muscles of the forelimb and an articulation for the humerus at the glenoid cavity. It is joined to the clavicle (collar bone) in front.

A Dictionary of Biology

scapula

views updated May 11 2018

scap·u·la / ˈskapyələ/ • n. (pl. -lae / -ˌlē/ or -las) Anat. technical term for shoulder blade.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

shoulder blade

views updated May 29 2018

shoul·der blade • n. either of the large, flat, triangular bones that lie against the ribs in the upper back and provide attachments for the bone and muscles of the upper arm. Also called scapula.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

scapula

views updated May 17 2018

scapula
1. In tetrapods, the dorsal part of the pectoral girdle.

2. In Mammalia, the shoulder blade.

A Dictionary of Zoology MICHAEL ALLABY

shoulder blade

views updated May 17 2018

shoulder blade (scapula) In vertebrates, either of two large, roughly triangular, flat bones found one on either side of the upper back. They provide for the attachment of muscles that move the forelimbs. See also shoulder

World Encyclopedia

scapula

views updated Jun 11 2018

scapula (skap-yoo-lă) n. (pl. scapulas or scapulae) the shoulder blade: a triangular bone, a pair of which form the back part of the shoulder girdle.
—scapular adj.

A Dictionary of Nursing