Upper limb

Periscapular and scapulothoracic bursae

Bursae cinguli pectoralis et scapulae

Origin

Scapulothoracic sliding planes (between serratus anterior, subscapularis, and chest wall) and tendon insertions

Insertion

Underlying bony surfaces and muscular interfaces

Function

Enables frictionless multi-planar motion of the scapulothoracic articulation across the rib cage

Innervation

Long thoracic, thoracodorsal, and cervical plexus nerves

Movement & chain

Protraction, retraction, elevation, and upward rotation of the scapula

Palpation

Palpable along medial scapular border during gliding movements

Clinical

Snapping scapula syndrome (scapulothoracic bursitis causing audible/palpable crepitus and periscapular pain); subscapularis bursitis.

Segmental innervation

C4–C8

In clinical practice

Scapular motor control training, thoracic spine mobilization, and bursal injection therapy

Region in the model

Upper limb