The Scapula or Omoplate.—The scapula is situated on the lateral surface of the thorax, and is directed obliquely, from above downwards and from behind forwards.
We must first recall, so as to be able to make a comparison, that in man this bone is placed at the posterior surface of the thoracic cage; so that if we look at the human thorax on one of its lateral aspects we see chiefly the external border of the scapula; it is the external surface (homologous to the posterior surface of the human scapula) which we see in its full extent when we look on the same surface of the thorax in quadrupeds.
Fig. 10.—Situation and Direction of the Scapula in the Human Being, the Trunk being Horizontal, as in Quadrupeds. Vertical and Transverse Section of the Thorax (Diagrammatic Figure).
1, Contour of the thorax; 2, 2, the scapula.
Fig. 11.—Position and Direction of the Scapula in Quadrupeds. Vertical and Transverse Section of the Thorax (Diagrammatic Figure).
1, Contour of the thorax; 2, 2, the scapula.