Anatomy of the coracohumeral and coracoglenoidal ligaments

The Ligg. coracohumerale and coracoglenoidale are constant anatomical structures, represented in all the 34preparations investigated. The Lig. coracoglenoidale is a strong band of dense connective tissue, running from the Processus coracoideus to the Tuberculum supraglenoidale. In 27 specimens out of 34 it was the continuation of the M. pectoralis minor tendon. The Lig. coracohumerale consists of two separate parts. The "inferior part" originates from the Processus coracoideus and the Lig. coracoglenoidale, which separates it from the base of the coracoid process. It is composed of the joint capsule anteriorly and a remnant of the M. pectoralis minor tendon posteriorly. The "superior part" arises from the medio-posterior surface of the Processus coracoideus, just below the Lig. coracoacromiale. Both parts of the Lig. coracohumerale run into the shoulder joint capsule under the M. supraspinatus tendon and insert into a capsular semicircular band. According to the shape and course of fibres between the greater and lesser tubercles of the Humerus, we propose to name it the "Lig. semicirculare humeri". None of the two parts of the Lig. coracohumerale begins from the base of the Processus coracoideus, and fibres of the Lig. coracohumerale do not reach the Tuberculum majus et minus directly.