Word parts
What it means
The shoulder blade. It sits on the upper back over the ribs and joins the clavicleKLAV-ih-kulThe long, slightly S-shaped bone that runs from the top of the breastbone to the shoulder; the collarbone.clavicul/o collarboneFull entry (collarbone) and the upper arm bone to form the shoulder. Many muscles that move the arm attach to it. The plural is scapulae.
For the nurse
Lung sounds on the back are heard between and below the scapulae, with the client's arms crossed in front to move the shoulder blades out of the way.
At a glance
| Everyday words | shoulder blade |
|---|---|
| Spanish | escápula, omóplato |
| Also written | scapulae, scapulas, scapular |