Anatomy of the shoulder (MRI, radiography images, medical illustrations and anatomical structures)

Anatomy of the shoulder (MRI, radiography images, medical illustrations and anatomical structures)

Anatomy of the shoulder (MRI, radiography images, medical illustrations and anatomical structures)

  • Antoine MICHEAU, MD , Denis HOA, MD
    • Antoine MICHEAU, MD : 2 Allée Charles Darwin, 34170 Castelnau-le-lez
    • Denis HOA, MD : 2 Allée Charles Darwin, 34170 Castelnau-le-lez
  • Publication date: Aug 8, 2008 | Last update: Mar 18, 2025
  • https://doi.org/10.37019/e-anatomy/501 ISSN 2534-5079

This atlas of cross-sectional anatomy of the glenohumeral joint (shoulder) is based on magnetic resonance images (MRI). Each anatomical structure was interactively labeled. This tool is at the same time useful for the training and teaching of the anatomy, but also for experts to illustrate a course or an explanation of pathology to a patient, in particular within the framework of rotator cuff tendon injuries and joint disease.

This module is for anyone who is curious about anatomy, but it was particularly created for radiologists, rheumatologists, orthopedic surgeons, general practitioners, medical students (support for the preparation of medical boards), as well as radiology technicians.

 

Human anatomical atlas of the shoulder : axial slice of T1 weighted MRI with all anatomical structures labeled (muscles, nerves, veins, arteries, bones, ligaments, lymph nodes).
Human anatomical atlas of the shoulder : axial slice of T1 weighted MRI with all anatomical structures labeled

 

Cross-sectional anatomy: MR of the shoulder

 

MRI of the shoulder : muscles of the rotator cuff labeled on a sagittal MR slice.
MRI of the shoulder : muscles of the rotator cuff labeled on a sagittal MR slice.

 

An MRI of the shoulder of a healthy subject was performed in the 3 planes of space (coronal, axial, sagittal) commonly used in osteoarticular imaging, with two weightings to explore the musculoskeletal pathology of the shoulder: spin-echo T1 and proton-density with fat saturation sequences.

The images obtained were exported to JPEG from DICOM data stored on the PACS (Picture Archiving and Communicating System).

The images were post processed with Adobe Photoshop (realignment, resized in order to adapt to the electronic format).

The interactive and dynamic contents were added with Adobe Animate.

 

3D model of the gleno-humeral joint : anatomy of the scapula, humerus and clavicle
3D model of the gleno-humeral joint : anatomy of the scapula, humerus and clavicle

 

Illustrations

 

 

Anatomy of the gleno-humeral joint - Medical illustration showing deep layer of muscles, ligaments and tendos all labeled.
Anatomy of the gleno-humeral joint : Medical illustration showing deep layer of muscles, ligaments and tendos all labeled.

 

We used a 3D volume rendering (CT-scan) of the shoulder. An illustration was then added to show bone anatomy, muscles attachments, ligaments and muscle layers of the rotator cuff.
These illustrations allow to review the basis of the anatomy of the shoulder and to locate them more easily on an MRI by using cross-references.

 

Arteriography (angiogram) of the axillary artery and his branches all labeled : subclavian, thoracic, subscapular, thoracodorsal, brachial, circumflex arteries...
Arteriography of the axillary artery and his branches all labeled : subclavian, thoracic, subscapular, thoracodorsal, brachial, circumflex arteries...

 

X-rays

On this anatomic tool, we added a new kind of image:

  • Radiography of the shoulder (AP and “Y” view)
  • Arteriography (angiography) of the right axillary artery.

 

Medical illustration of the shoulder's muscles : superficial layer with deltoid, trapezius, pectoralis major and minor, latissiums dorsi...
Medical illustration of the shoulder's muscles : superficial layer with deltoid, trapezius, pectoralis major and minor, latissiums dorsi...

 

Anatomy of the shoulder: how to view the anatomical labels

 

Muscle attachments on a 3D medical illustration of the shoulder.
Muscle attachments on a 3D medical illustration of the shoulder.

 

On “Anatomical parts” the user can select between the different types of labels:

  • Bones
  •  Joints
  •  Ligaments
  •  Muscles
  •  Tendons
  •  Lymph nodes
  •  Arteries
  •  Veins
  •  Nerves

On “Contrast” it is possible to choose the type of MR sequence: spin-echo T1 or proton-density with fat saturation sequences.
On “Series” the user can choose the view of the shoulder in one of the 3 planes of space: axial, coronal or sagittal and to access the illustrations and x-rays.
On the menu on the left, cross-references are available for a better orientation in space. Also includes medical illustrations.
We added an horizontal menu at the bottom to access the MR slices or other images (anatomic pictures and x-rays) more quickly.

 

Human anatomical atlas of the shoulder : axial slice of T1 weighted MRI with all anatomical structures labeled (muscles, nerves, veins, arteries, bones, ligaments, lymph nodes).
Human anatomical atlas of the shoulder : axial slice of T1 weighted MRI with all anatomical structures labeled
MRI of the shoulder : muscles of the rotator cuff labeled on a sagittal MR slice.
MRI of the shoulder : muscles of the rotator cuff labeled on a sagittal MR slice.
3D model of the gleno-humeral joint : anatomy of the scapula, humerus and clavicle
3D model of the gleno
Anatomy of the gleno-humeral joint - Medical illustration showing deep layer of muscles, ligaments and tendos all labeled.
Anatomy of the gleno
Arteriography (angiogram) of the axillary artery and his branches all labeled : subclavian, thoracic, subscapular, thoracodorsal, brachial, circumflex arteries...
Arteriography of the axillary artery and his branches all labeled : subclavian, thoracic, subscapular, thoracodorsal, brachial, circumflex arteries...
Medical illustration of the shoulder's muscles : superficial layer with deltoid, trapezius, pectoralis major and minor, latissiums dorsi...
Medical illustration of the shoulder's muscles : superficial layer with deltoid, trapezius, pectoralis major and minor, latissiums dorsi...
Muscle attachments on a 3D medical illustration of the shoulder.
Muscle attachments on a 3D medical illustration of the shoulder.

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