The coracoid process of the scapula is at least partly visible from both the anterior and posterior views (surfaces) of the scapula bone, which is also known as the shoulder blade. However, the coracoid process is only partially visible in the posterior view below, while it is shown more clearly in the anterior view. Some textbooks also include a lateral view of the human scapula bone - from which the coracoid process is even more clearly identifiable.
Where does the name come from ?
Unlike some of the features of the scapula bone (listed left), the name "coracoid process" does not describe or refer to the location of this feature (which is a protrusion ; a "process" is generally a raised area or projection"). Instead, the term "coracoid process" is derived from the thought of early anatomists who likened the shape of the coracoid process to that of a crow's beak - i.e. a crow as in a moderately sized common black bird (rather larger than a blackbird). |
