Anatomical Relations
The subacromial bursa sits deep to the deltoid muscle within the subacromial space. It separates the supraspinatus muscle from the coracoacromial ligament and acromion (Standring, 2016).
Related parts of the anatomy
Structure
The subacromial bursa is a closed sac of synovial fluid that sits on the glenohumeral joint capsule. The bursa sits within the lateral one quarter of the supraspinatus fossa. It is elongated deep to the acromion and the coracoacromial ligament, where it sits deep to the supraspinatus muscle and communicates with the subdeltoid bursa. It does not communicate with the joint capsule (Moore, Dalley and Agur, 2013).
Function
The bursa reduces friction and ensures smooth movement of the supraspinatus muscle deep to the coracoacromial arch (Paulsen and Waschke, 2013).
List of Clinical Correlates
—Bursitis
—Septic bursitis
—Impingement syndrome
References
Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F. and Agur, A. M. R. (2013) Clinically Oriented Anatomy. Clinically Oriented Anatomy 7th edn.: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Paulsen, F. and Waschke, J. (2013) Sobotta Tables of Muscles, Joints and Nerves, English: Tables to 15th ed. of the Sobotta Atlas. Elsevier Health Sciences Germany.
Learn more about this topic from other Elsevier products
Synovial Bursa
A synovial bursa is a simple sac lying between a tendon or muscle and an adjacent bony prominence.
