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    Related Topics

    From Musculoskeletal System

    Rotator Cuff Tendons
    Tendons of the rotator cuff muscles.
    Hyoid Bone
    U-shaped bone in the neck that supports the tongue.
    Frontal Bone
    Bone forming the forehead and upper part of the orbits.
    Buccinator
    Muscle that helps with chewing and blowing air out.
    Iliolumbar Ligament
    Ligament connecting the ilium and lumbar vertebrae.
    Flexor and Extensor Groups
    Muscles responsible for flexing and extending the hand and wrist.
    Zygomaticus
    Muscle that raises the corners of the mouth.
    Vertebral Column
    Spinal column consisting of vertebrae.
    Carpals (8 bones)
    8 wrist bones.
    Patella
    Knee cap, protecting the knee joint.
    Sacroiliac Ligaments
    Ligaments connecting the sacrum to the iliac bones.
    Pectoralis Major
    Chest muscle responsible for shoulder movement.
    Biceps Tendon
    Tendon that attaches the biceps muscle to the bone.
    Flexor Tendons
    Tendons that help flex the fingers and toes.
    Syndesmoses
    Fibrous joints where bones are connected by ligaments.
    Latissimus Dorsi
    Back muscle responsible for arm adduction and extension.
    Posterior Longitudinal Ligament
    Spinal ligament running along the back of the vertebral column.
    Levator Ani
    Pelvic floor muscle responsible for lifting the anus.
    Saddle Joints
    e.g., thumb joint
    Extensor Tendons
    Tendons that help extend the fingers and toes.
    Sutures (in the skull)
    Fibrous joints between skull bones.
    Ischium
    Part of the pelvis that supports weight while sitting.
    Ilium
    Uppermost and largest part of the hip bone.
    Symphyses
    Cartilaginous joints where bones are connected by fibrocartilage.
    Deltoid
    Shoulder muscle responsible for arm abduction.

    Glenohumeral Ligaments

    Reviewed by our medical team

    Shoulder ligaments that stabilize the shoulder joint.

    1. Overview

    The glenohumeral ligaments are a group of intrinsic capsular ligaments that reinforce the anterior aspect of the shoulder joint. They provide static stability to the glenohumeral (shoulder) joint, which is inherently unstable due to its wide range of motion. These ligaments function as key restraints to anterior and inferior dislocation of the humeral head, particularly during abduction and external rotation.

    2. Location

    The glenohumeral ligaments are located within the fibrous capsule of the shoulder joint:

    • Attach proximally: To the margins of the glenoid cavity of the scapula (especially near the labrum).

    • Attach distally: To various points on the anterior aspect of the anatomical neck of the humerus.

    • Position: Situated anteriorly within the joint capsule and are best appreciated from the internal aspect of the capsule during dissection or arthroscopy.

    3. Structure

    There are three main glenohumeral ligaments, all thickenings of the joint capsule:

    • Superior glenohumeral ligament (SGHL):

      • Origin: Upper part of glenoid and base of coracoid.

      • Insertion: Lesser tubercle of the humerus.

      • Resists inferior translation when the arm is at the side.

    • Middle glenohumeral ligament (MGHL):

      • Origin: Anterior glenoid margin.

      • Insertion: Lesser tubercle or anterior humeral neck.

      • Limits external rotation in mid-range abduction (45–60 degrees).

    • Inferior glenohumeral ligament (IGHL):

      • Divided into anterior and posterior bands with an axillary pouch between them.

      • Most important stabilizer in abduction and external rotation (throwing position).

      • Prevents anterior dislocation of the shoulder.

    These ligaments are reinforced by the rotator cuff tendons and surrounded by the synovial membrane of the shoulder joint.

    4. Function

    The primary function of the glenohumeral ligaments is to stabilize the shoulder joint by limiting excessive motion:

    • Restrain anterior and inferior translation of the humeral head during various degrees of abduction and external rotation.

    • Support the capsule and reduce the risk of shoulder dislocation and subluxation.

    • Assist dynamic stabilizers (rotator cuff muscles) in maintaining the humeral head within the glenoid cavity.

    5. Physiological role(s)

    Although passive structures, glenohumeral ligaments play key physiological roles:

    • Joint congruency: Help keep the articular surfaces of the glenoid and humeral head in contact during movement.

    • Proprioception: Ligamentous stretch receptors may provide feedback to the central nervous system about joint position and stability.

    • Load sharing: Work with muscles and labrum to distribute forces across the shoulder joint during upper limb movement.

    6. Clinical Significance

    Injuries and instability involving glenohumeral ligaments are common, particularly in athletes:

    • Shoulder dislocations:

      • Anterior dislocations often result in injury or stretching of the inferior glenohumeral ligament complex (especially the anterior band).

    • Bankart lesion:

      • Detachment of the anteroinferior labrum and IGHL from the glenoid rim due to dislocation; commonly requires surgical repair.

    • Multidirectional instability (MDI):

      • Often involves laxity of all glenohumeral ligaments; more common in hypermobile individuals.

    • SLAP tears:

      • May involve the superior glenohumeral ligament and biceps anchor, leading to shoulder pain and dysfunction.

    • Arthroscopic evaluation:

      • Direct visualization of these ligaments helps diagnose instability or labral damage.

    Did you know? The coccyx is the remnant of the tailbone in humans.