Coracoid process
237505
216043264
2008-05-30T20:43:31Z
Thijs!bot
1392310
robot Adding: [[nl:Processus coracoideus]]
{{Infobox Bone |
Name = coracoid process |
Latin = processus coracoideus |
GraySubject = 50 |
GrayPage = 207 |
Image = Gray205 left scapula lateral view.png |
Caption = Left [[scapula]]. Lateral view. (Coracoid process labeled at upper left.) |
Image2 = Gray326.png |
Caption2 = The left shoulder and acromioclavicular joints, and the proper ligaments of the scapula. (Coracoid process visible at center.) |
System = |
MeshName = |
MeshNumber = |
DorlandsPre = p_34 |
DorlandsSuf = 12667398 |
}}
The '''coracoid [[Process (anatomy)|process]]''' is a small hook-like structure that comes off the [[scapula]] to point forward.
==Attachments==
It is the site of attachment for several structures:
* The [[pectoralis minor muscle]] - to 3rd to 5th [[ribs]].
* The short head of [[biceps brachii muscle]] - to [[Radial tuberosity]].
* The [[coracobrachialis muscle]] - to medial [[humerus]].
* The [[coracoclavicular ligament]] - to the [[clavicle]]. (It is formed by the [[conoid ligament]] and [[trapezoid ligament]].)
* The [[coracoacromial ligament]] - to the [[acromion]]
==Structure==
The coracoid process is a thick curved process attached by a broad base to the upper part of the neck of the scapula; it runs at first upward and medialward; then, becoming smaller, it changes its direction, and projects forward and lateralward.
The ''ascending portion'', flattened from before backward, presents in front a smooth concave surface, across which the [[Subscapularis]] passes.
The ''horizontal portion'' is flattened from above downward; its upper surface is convex and irregular, and gives attachment to the [[Pectoralis minor]]; its under surface is smooth; its medial and lateral borders are rough; the former gives attachment to the Pectoralis minor and the latter to the [[coracoacromial ligament]]; the apex is embraced by the conjoined tendon of origin of the [[Coracobrachialis]] and short head of the [[Biceps brachii]] and gives attachment to the [[coracoclavicular fascia]].
On the medial part of the root of the coracoid process is a rough impression for the attachment of the conoid ligament; and running from it obliquely forward and lateralward, on to the upper surface of the horizontal portion, is an elevated ridge for the attachment of the [[trapezoid ligament]].
==Clinical relevance==
The coracoid process is palpable just below the lateral end of the clavicle (collar bone). It is otherwise known as the "Surgeon's Lighthouse" because it serves as a landmark to avoid neurovascular damage. Major neurovascular structures enter the upper limb medial to the coracoid process so surgical approaches to the shoulder region always takes place lateral to the coracoid process.
==In other animals==
In [[bird]]s and [[reptile]]s<!--and others?-->, the coracoid is a separate bone.
==Etymology==
'''Coracoid''' in itself means "like a [[raven]]'s beak", with reference to its shape. (Greek "Korax" = Raven)
==Additional images==
<gallery>
Image:Gray327.png|Capsule of shoulder-joint (distended). Anterior aspect.
Image:Gray328.png|Glenoid fossa of right side.
Image:Gray411.png|Deep muscles of the chest and front of the arm, with the boundaries of the axilla.
Image:Human arm bones diagram.svg|Human arm bones diagram
</gallery>
==External links==
* {{eMedicineDictionary|coracoid+process}}
* {{BiowebUW|aplab/Table_of_Contents/Lab_04/Scapula_1/Scapula_1b/scapula_1b.html|aplab}}
* {{PSUAnatomy|skel/scapula2}}
{{Bones of upper extremity}}
{{musculoskeletal-stub}}
[[de:Coracoid]]
[[eo:Korakoido]]
[[fr:Coracoïde]]
[[nl:Processus coracoideus]]
[[ja:烏口骨]]
[[pt:Processo coracóide]]
[[th:โคราคอยด์ โพรเซส]]