title: Anatomic basis of ligamentous control of elevation of the shoulder (reference position of the shoulder joint).
abstract: The authors describe in detail the position of greatest stability of the shoulder joint. They review the mechanical importance of this position in the overall physiology of the shoulder-girdle and stress the essential role of two articular ligaments of the shoulder joint (the coracohumeral and inferior glenohumeral ligaments) in arrival at this reference position. There thus exists a passive control, of ligamentous origin, of movements of the shoulder-girdle. The position is essential if the shoulder is to benefit from the full range of movement and full stability which it needs in every day functioning.
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000502:physiology*; D009068:Movement; D009132:Muscles / Q000502:physiology; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*