Scapula: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word derives from the Latin term 'scapulae', meaning 'shoulders'.
• In ancient Greek, the word for scapula was 'omphalos', which referred to the shoulder blade area.

Anatomy

• The scapula is also known as the shoulder blade and there are two of them in each human body, one on each side.
• It plays a crucial role in allowing a wide range of arm movements by acting as a point of attachment for muscles.
• The scapula connects the humerus (upper arm bone) to the clavicle (collarbone), forming part of the shoulder girdle.

Health and Fitness

• Strengthening the muscles around the scapula can improve posture and decrease the risk of shoulder injuries.
• Scapular mobility is important for athletes, especially in sports that require overhead movements, like swimming or baseball.

Cultural References

• In popular fitness culture, scapula retraction exercises are often emphasized to improve back strength.
• The scapula is frequently referenced in physical therapy as it is crucial to shoulder health and rehabilitation.

Comparative Anatomy

• Other vertebrates, such as birds, have a similar bone structure allowing for wing movement, illustrating an evolutionary adaptation for flight.
• In some animals like dogs, the scapula is thinner which allows for greater flexibility and range of motion of their forelimbs.

Positioned at #20,180, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

• ...
• 20177 competitively
• 20178 befell
• 20179 blemish
• 20180 scapula
• 20181 inattention
• 20182 durst
• 20183 plebiscite
• ...