What is the anatomical term for the shoulder blade?

The anatomical term for the shoulder blade is "scapula." The scapula is a flat, triangular-shaped bone located on the posterior side of the ribcage. It plays a crucial role in shoulder movement and stability, serving as an attachment point for muscles that aid in the movement of the arm and shoulder. The scapula also connects the upper arm bone, known as the humerus, to the collarbone, or clavicle. Understanding the structure and function of the scapula is essential for grasping how the shoulder joint operates, as it serves as a foundation for many movements that involve the upper extremities.

In this context, the other terms refer to different bones in the body: the clavicle is the collarbone which connects the arm to the body, the humerus is the bone of the upper arm, and the radius is one of the forearm bones. Each of these plays distinct roles in the overall anatomy of the shoulder and arm but do not refer to the shoulder blade itself.