Infraspinous region
Regio infraspinata
- Related terms: Infraspinous region (Scapular region)
Definition
The infraspinous region corresponds to the dorsal and lateral area of the shoulder located below the scapular spine, within the infraspinous fossa of the scapula. It is an important anatomical landmark, continuous with the caudal part of the shoulder joint.
Anatomically, this region includes the infraspinous fossa, which is mainly occupied by the infraspinatus muscle, as well as the course of the suprascapular nerve and part of the caudal scapular vasculature.
The configuration of the infraspinous fossa varies among species: it is well developed in the dog, cat, horse, and ruminants, while in humans, an equivalent region exists but with a morphology and scapular orientation modified by the presence of a functional clavicle.
References
Dyce KM, Sack WO, Wensing CJG. Textbook of Veterinary Anatomy. 5th ed. St. Louis: Elsevier; 2017.
König HE, Liebich HG, editors. Veterinary Anatomy of Domestic Mammals: Textbook and Colour Atlas. 6th ed. Stuttgart: Thieme; 2020.
Evans HE, de Lahunta A. Miller’s Anatomy of the Dog. 4th ed. St. Louis: Elsevier; 2013.
