Glenoid fossa

Interpretations of the fossil remains of Australopithecus africanus (STS 7) and A. afarensis (AL 288-1; a.k.a. Lucy) suggest that the glenoid fossa was oriented more cranially in these species than in modern humans. This reflects the importance of overhead limb postures and suggests a retention of arboreal adaptations in these hominoid primates, whereas the lateral orientation of the glenoid in modern humans reflects the typical lowered position of the arm. In dinosaurs In dinosaurs the main bones of the pectoral girdle were the scapula (shoulder blade) and the coracoid, both of which directly articulated with the clavicle. The place on the scapula where it articulated with the humerus (upper bone of the forelimb) is called the glenoid. The glenoid is important because it defines the range of motion of the humerus. ==Additional images==

File:Glenoid cavity of left scapula - animation.gif|Left scapula. Glenoid cavity shown in red. File:Glenoid cavity of scapula - animation01.gif|Animation. Glenoid cavity shown in red. File:Gray328.png|Glenoid fossa of right side. File:Scapula ant numbered.png|Anterior view of left scapula showing glenoid cavity "2" File:Shoulder muscle - force couple of rotator cuff.gif|Animation of shoulder joint. The muscles shown are subscapularis muscle (at right), infraspinatus muscle (at top left), teres minor muscle (at bottom left). File:Shoulder motion with rotator cuff (supraspinatus).gif|Animation of glenohumeral joint. The muscle shown is supraspinatus muscle. ==See also==