Bursae of upper limb

Bursae of upper limb are synovial-lined sacs that function to reduce friction between tendons, muscles, ligaments, and bones during movement. They are strategically positioned around major joints—particularly the shoulder and elbow—where wide ranges of motion and strong muscular activity create significant potential for friction.

A. Bursae around the shoulder region

• Subtendinous bursa of trapezius

• Subcutaneous acromial bursa

• Subacromial bursa

• Subdeltoid bursa

• Coracobrachial bursa

• Subtendinous bursa of infraspinatus

• Subtendinous bursa of subscapularis muscle

• Subtendinous bursa of teres major muscle

• Subtendinous bursa of latissimus dorsi muscle

B. Bursae Around the Elbow

• Subcutaneous olecranon bursa

• Intratendinous olecranon bursa

• Subtendinous bursa of triceps brachii

C. Bursae Around the Forearm and Cubital Region

• Bicipitoradial bursa

• interosseous cubital bursa