This is the uppermost bone of the fore limb, a flat triangular segment placed on the side of the chest, where it takes an oblique direction downward and forward. Its base is turned upward, and its apex concurs with the humerus to form the shoulder-joint. A broad flat piece of cartilage is attached to its upper border, and gives increased length to the bone, hence it is termed cartilage of prolongation, or scapular cartilage. The scapula has three angles: 1, cervical, nearest the neck; 2, dorsal, nearest the back; 3, humeral, at the point of the shoulder. The last presents a shallow oval cavity, which receives the rounded head of the humerus to form the shoulder-joint. Immediately above it, in front, is a large rough curved offshoot of bone,. the coracoid process, which gives attachment to important muscles.

The outer surface of the bone is divided into two unequal parts by a bony ridge or spine. This bone is united with the trunk by muscles only. It has no synovial articulation or joint connection as in the hind limb.

Fig. 296. - Scapula (Outer Surface).

1, 1 Spine of the Scapula. 2 Coracoid Process.

3 Glenoid Cavity for Articulation of Humerus. 4 Dorsal Angle. 5 Cervical Angle. 6 Cartilage of Prolongation.