Which area is the supraspinous fossa located on the scapula?

• A. Infraspinous fossa
• B. Subscapular fossa
• C. Supraspinous fossa
• D. Intertubercular groove

Answer: (C)

The main concept here is identifying where the supraspinous fossa is located on the scapula. The supraspinous fossa sits on the dorsal (posterior) surface of the scapula, above the spine of the scapula. The spine divides the back of the scapula into two areas: the supraspinous fossa above it and the infraspinous fossa below it. The name itself tells you its position. This area is the origin site for the supraspinatus muscle. By contrast, the infraspinous fossa is below the spine, the subscapular fossa is on the anterior surface, and the intertubercular groove is a feature of the humerus, not a scapular fossa. So the area located above the spine on the scapula is the supraspinous fossa.