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What is the Shoulder Joint Called?

Published in Anatomy 1 min read

The shoulder joint is also known as the glenohumeral joint.

The glenohumeral joint is a ball-and-socket joint, offering a wide range of motion, making it the most mobile joint in the human body. This extensive mobility comes at the expense of stability, making it susceptible to injury.

Here's a breakdown:

  • Gleno-: Refers to the glenoid cavity, a shallow depression in the scapula (shoulder blade) that forms the "socket."
  • -humeral: Refers to the humerus, the long bone of the upper arm, whose rounded head forms the "ball."

Therefore, the term "glenohumeral" accurately describes the articulation between these two bones, defining the shoulder joint.

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