What is the anatomical term for the shoulder blade?

The term for the shoulder blade is scapula. The scapula is a triangular-shaped bone located in the upper back that connects the humerus (the bone of the upper arm) to the clavicle (the collarbone). It plays a crucial role in shoulder mobility, providing attachment points for muscles and enabling various movements of the arm.

Understanding the anatomy of the shoulder is essential in fields like massage therapy and physical therapy, as it helps professionals assess and treat shoulder conditions. The scapula is important for movements such as lifting, pushing, and pulling, which are commonly encountered in both daily activities and sports. In contrast, the clavicle serves as a strut that connects the arm to the body, the humerus is the upper arm bone, and the sternum is the breastbone found in the center of the chest. Recognizing these differences highlights the unique role of the scapula within the skeletal system.