Coracoid process

The coracoid process (from Greek κόραξ, raven[1]) is a small hook-like structure on the lateral edge of the superior anterior portion of the scapula (hence: coracoid, or "like a raven's beak"). Pointing laterally forward, it, together with the acromion, serves to stabilize the shoulder joint. It is palpable in the deltopectoral groove between the deltoid and pectoralis major muscles.

Not to be confused with Coronoid process of the ulna or Coronoid process of the mandible.
Coracoid process
Left scapula. Anterior view. Coracoid process shown in red.
Anterior view. Coracoid process shown in red.
Details
Identifiers
LatinProcessus coracoideus
MeSHD000070597
TA98A02.4.01.023
TA21159
FMA13455
Anatomical terms of bone

Structure
The coracoid process acts as an attachment and origin for a large number of muscles (attached muscles not labeled here).

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 Conjoint 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.[2]

Function

It is the site of attachment for several structures:

Clinical significance

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.[3] Major neurovascular structures enter the upper limb medial to the coracoid process, so that surgical approaches to the shoulder region should always take place laterally to the coracoid process.

Other animals

In monotremes, the coracoid is a separate bone. Reptiles, birds, and frogs (but not salamanders) also possess a bone by this name, but is not homologous with the coracoid process of mammals.[4]

Analyses of the size and shape of the coracoid process in Australopithecus africanus (STS 7) have shown that in this species it displayed a prominent dorsolateral tubercle placed more laterally than in modern humans. This reflect, according to one interpretation, a scapula positioned high on a funnel-shaped thorax and a clavicle positioned obliquely as in extant great apes. [5]

Additional images
  • Left scapula. Coracoid process shown in red.
  • Animation. Coracoid process shown in red.
  • Left scapula. Lateral view. Coracoid process shown in red.

References
  1. Liddell, Scott, Jones Ancient Greek Lexicon (LSJ)
  2. Gray's Anatomy (1918), see infobox.
  3. Gallino, Mario; Santamaria, Eliana; Tiziana, Doro (1998). "Anthropometry of the scapula: Clinical and surgical considerations". Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 7 (3): 284–291. doi:10.1016/S1058-2746(98)90057-X. "...defined by Matsen et al. as 'the lighthouse of the shoulder.'
    • Matsen, Frederick A; Lippitt, Steven B; Sidles, John A; Douglas T, Harryman (1984). Practical Evaluation and Management of the Shoulder. ISBN 978-0-7216-4819-4.
  4. Romer, Alfred Sherwood; Parsons, Thomas S. (1977). The Vertebrate Body. Philadelphia, PA: Holt-Saunders International. pp. 186–187. ISBN 0-03-910284-X.
  5. Larson, Susan G. (2009). "Evolution of the Hominin Shoulder: Early Homo". In Grine, Frederick E.; Fleagle, John G.; Leakey, Richard E. (eds.). The First Humans - Origin and Early Evolution of the Genus Homo. Vertebrate Paleobiology and Paleoanthropology. Springer. pp. 65–6. doi:10.1007/978-1-4020-9980-9. ISBN 978-1-4020-9979-3.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
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