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Bones. The collarbone (clavicle), the shoulder blade (scapula), and the upper arm
bone (humerus).
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Joints. The place where movement occurs, including the following:
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Sternoclavicular joint (where the clavicle meets the sternum)
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Acromioclavicular (AC) joint (where the clavicle meets the acromion)
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Shoulder joint (glenohumeral joint). A ball-and-socket joint that helps with forward,
circular, backward, and overhead movement of the shoulder.
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Ligaments. White, shiny, flexible bands of fibrous tissue that hold joints together
and connect various bones, including:
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Joint capsule. A group of ligaments that connect the humerus to the socket of the
shoulder joint on the scapula to stabilize the shoulder and keep it from dislocating.
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Ligaments that attach the clavicle to the acromion
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Ligaments that connect the clavicle to the scapula by attaching to the coracoid process
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Acromion. The roof or highest point of the shoulder that is formed by a part of the
scapula.
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Tendons. The tough cords of tissue that connect muscles to bones. The rotator cuff
tendons are a group of tendons that connect the deepest layer of muscles to the humerus.
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Muscles. Help support and rotate the shoulder in many directions. Facilitate movement
of the shoulder.
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Rotator cuff. Name of a group of muscles and tendons that rotate and raise the shoulder.
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Bursa. A closed space between 2 moving surfaces that has a small amount of lubricating
fluid inside. It is located between the rotator cuff muscle layer and the outer layer
of large, bulky muscles.