Shoulder Overview

The shoulder joint comprises the part of the body where the humerus attaches to the scapula. The shouluder refers to the group of structures in the region of the joint. It is made up of three bones: the clavicle, or collarbone, the scapula, shoulder blade, and the humerus, upper arm bone, as well as associated muscles, ligaments and tendons.

The shoulder must be flexible for the wide range of motion required in the arms and hands and also strong enough to allow for actions such as lifting, pushing and pulling.