The main shoulder joint, also known as the “glenohumeral joint”, is a ball-and-socket joint (which is what allows for such a wide range of movement) that’s surrounded by a tough, fibrous sleeve (which is referred to as the “capsule”) that helps hold the joint together. The synovium, or inner layer of the capsule, produces a fluid that not only lubricates the joint but also nourishes the cartilage. The rotator cuff is comprised of a group of four muscles and their tendons, and is responsible for controlling movement and helping to hold the joint together as well.
There’s also a smaller joint (known as the acromioclavicular joint) that is located above the main shoulder joint, and is where the collarbone and shoulder blade meet.
So, there’s our down and dirty look at the anatomy of your shoulder. Be on the lookout for our next article, which will cover common injuries to the shoulder and how they’re addressed in the world of orthopaedics.