Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

8. Joints

Joint Movements

Anatomy & Physiology

8. Joints

Joint Movements

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Problem 14

Textbook Question

The structure that stabilizes the shoulder joint is known as the:
a. Rotator cuff.
b. Radial collateral ligament.
c. Posterior cruciate ligament.
d. Fibular collateral ligament.

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the anatomy of the shoulder joint. The shoulder joint is a ball-and-socket joint formed by the articulation of the humerus (upper arm bone) and the scapula (shoulder blade). It is stabilized by various structures, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Step 2: Review the function of the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their associated tendons (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis) that surround the shoulder joint. These muscles and tendons work together to stabilize the joint and allow for a wide range of motion.

Step 3: Examine the other options provided in the question. The radial collateral ligament is associated with the elbow joint, the posterior cruciate ligament is part of the knee joint, and the fibular collateral ligament is also part of the knee joint. None of these structures are involved in stabilizing the shoulder joint.

Step 4: Compare the rotator cuff to the other options. Since the rotator cuff is specifically designed to stabilize the shoulder joint, it is the correct answer based on its anatomical location and function.

Step 5: Conclude that the rotator cuff is the structure responsible for stabilizing the shoulder joint, as it is directly involved in maintaining the integrity and movement of this joint.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Rotator Cuff

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their associated tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. These muscles, namely the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis, work together to keep the head of the humerus securely within the shallow socket of the shoulder blade, allowing for a wide range of motion while maintaining joint stability.

Shoulder Joint Anatomy

The shoulder joint, or glenohumeral joint, is a ball-and-socket joint formed by the humerus and the glenoid cavity of the scapula. Its structure allows for extensive mobility, but this also makes it susceptible to dislocations and injuries. Understanding the anatomy, including ligaments and muscles, is crucial for recognizing how stability is maintained.

Ligaments and Joint Stability

Ligaments are strong, fibrous tissues that connect bones to other bones at joints, providing stability and support. In the context of the shoulder, while ligaments like the glenohumeral ligaments contribute to stability, the rotator cuff plays a more significant role in dynamic stabilization during movement, highlighting the interplay between ligaments and muscular support.

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Related Practice

Textbook Question

Define each of the following movements or movement pairs.

a. Flexion and extension

b. Adduction and abduction

c. Rotation

d. Circumduction

e. Dorsiflexion and plantarflexion

f. Elevation and depression

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Textbook Question

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

The shoulder joint is stabilized by the medial and lateral menisci.

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Textbook Question

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

The hip joint is less stable than the shoulder joint, but it allows more motion.

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Textbook Question

Which of the following best describes the function of the anterior cruciate ligament?

a. It prevents posterior displacement of the tibia on the femur.

b. It prevents the tibia from moving too far laterally on the femur.

c. It prevents anterior displacement of the tibia on the femur and hyperextension.

d. It improves the fit between the femur and the tibia.

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Textbook Question

Which factors contribute to the stability of the hip joint?

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Textbook Question

Lauren has hurt her knee playing soccer. She explains that during the match, someone tackled her, hitting her on the lateral side of her knee. You notice during your examination that she has excessive range of motion in her knee; specifically, you are able to hyperextend her knee and anteriorly displace her tibia on her femur. Her tibia also displaces laterally on her femur. What has likely happened to her knee? Explain.

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Textbook Question

Some individuals have an abnormally small and shallow glenoid labrum. How would this affect the stability of the shoulder joint?

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Multiple Choice

What are the primary movements that occur at the knee joint?

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