Anatomy of the coracohumeral and coracoglenoidal ligaments

The Ligg. coracohumerale and coracoglenoidale are constant anatomical struc tures, represented in all the 34 preparations investigated. The Lig. coraco glenoidale is a strong band of dense connective tissue, running from the Pr ocessus coracoideus to the Tuberculum supraglenoidale. In 27 specimens out of 34 it was the continuation of the M. pectoralis minor tendon. The Lig. c oracohumerale consists of two separate parts. The "inferior part'' originat es from the Processus coracoideus and the Lig. coracoglenoidale, which sepa rates 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 posteri orly. The "superior part" arises from the medio-posterior surface of the Pr ocessus coracoideus, just below the Lig, coracoacromiale. Both parts of the Lig. coracohumerale run into the shoulder joint capsule under the M. supra spinatus 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 Proce ssus coracoideus, and fibres of the Lig. coracohumerale do not reach the Tu berculum majus ct minus directly.