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Orthopedics
Caring for the Shoulders and Extremities; Photo of wrist in brace

Parts of the Shoulder

The shoulder is the most flexible part of the body. The main joint in the shoulder is called the glenohumeral joint. This is where the arm bone (humerus) rests in a shallow socket called the glenoid. The bones in the shoulder are connected by ligaments, muscles, and other strong tissues. When the shoulder is healthy, you can move your arm in almost any direction (a full range of motion).

Cutaway view of shoulder

Online Source: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/booklet/view_report.cfm?Thread_ID=11&topcategory=Shoulder
Online Source: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/fact/thr_report.cfm?Thread_ID=121&topcategory=Shoulder
Online Medical Reviewer: Bhattacharyya, Tim MD
Date Last Reviewed: 1/15/2007
Date Last Modified: 6/5/2005