Coracoid Process of Scapula
Hook-shaped projection from superior border of scapula, near root of suprascapular notch. Classified as atavistic epiphysis.
Muscle Attachments
| Muscle | Attachment | Site |
|---|---|---|
| Short head of biceps brachii | Origin | Lateral part of tip |
| Coracobrachialis | Origin | Medial part of tip |
| Pectoralis minor | Insertion | Medial border + superior surface |
Ligament Attachments
| Ligament | Attachment on Coracoid | Connects to |
|---|---|---|
| Coracoacromial | Lateral border of base | Tip of acromion |
| Coracohumeral | Base | Anterior greater tubercle of humerus |
| Conoid (part of coracoclavicular) | Root (just lateral to suprascapular notch) | Conoid tubercle of clavicle |
| Trapezoid (part of coracoclavicular) | Upper surface | Trapezoid line of lateral clavicle |
Coracoacromial Arch
- Formed by: acromion + coracoacromial ligament + coracoid process
- Acts as “secondary socket” for humeral head; protects humeral head + supraspinatus tendon
Ossification
- Greater part: centre appears 1st year, fuses by 15th year
- Subcoracoid centre: appears ~10th year (puberty), fuses 16–18th year
Applied Anatomy
- Coracoclavicular ligament (conoid + trapezoid) — strongest bond maintaining AC joint; both parts torn in severe AC dislocation → lateral clavicle displaced upward
- Coracoid fracture — uncommon; associated with shoulder dislocation or severe AC injury; traction by attached muscles + ligaments
The coracoid process (Greek: korakoeides = crow’s beak-like) is a hook-shaped, finger-like projection arising from the superior border of the scapula, near the root of the suprascapular notch. It projects forwards and slightly laterally, then bends to project further forwards. Developmentally, it is classified as an atavistic epiphysis.
Muscle Attachments
| Muscle | Attachment | Site on Coracoid Process |
|---|---|---|
| Short head of biceps brachii | Origin | Lateral part of the tip |
| Coracobrachialis | Origin | Medial part of the tip |
| Pectoralis minor | Insertion | Medial border and superior surface |
Ligament Attachments
| Ligament | Attachment | Connects To |
|---|---|---|
| Coracoacromial ligament | Base, to the lateral border of the coracoid process | Apex to the tip of the acromion |
| Coracohumeral ligament | Base of the coracoid process | Anterior aspect of the greater tubercle of the humerus |
| Conoid ligament (part of coracoclavicular ligament) | Apex, to the root of the coracoid process (just lateral to the scapular/suprascapular notch) | Base to the conoid tubercle on the inferior surface of the clavicle |
| Trapezoid ligament (part of coracoclavicular ligament) | Upper surface of the coracoid process | Trapezoid line on the inferior surface of the lateral clavicle |
Coracoacromial Arch
- Formed by the acromion, the coracoacromial ligament, and the coracoid process together.
- Functions as a “secondary socket” for the head of the humerus, adding to the stability of the shoulder joint and protecting the head of the humerus and the supraspinatus tendon beneath it.
Ossification
- The greater part of the coracoid process ossifies from a centre that appears in the 1st year of life and fuses with the body of the scapula by the 15th year.
- A second centre, the subcoracoid centre, appears at the root of the coracoid process around puberty (10th year) and fuses by the 16th–18th year.
Applied Anatomy
- The coracoclavicular ligament (conoid + trapezoid) is the strongest ligament maintaining the integrity of the acromioclavicular joint. In severe acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation, both the acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligaments are torn, allowing the lateral end of the clavicle to be displaced upwards relative to the acromion.
- Fracture of the coracoid process is uncommon and most often occurs in association with shoulder dislocation or severe AC joint injury, due to traction by its attached muscles (short head of biceps, coracobrachialis) and ligaments.
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