Scapula: The Back Bone (Not “Homoplato” but “Omóplato” in Spanish) | Definition & Anatomy
Lee este texto en español: Omóplato: El Hueso de la Espalda (No “Homoplato”) | Definición y Anatomía
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The Back Bone (Not “Homoplato”) | Definition & Anatomy
If you’re searching for ‘homoplato’ or ‘omóplato’, you’ve come to the right place. The correct term for this back bone is the scapula, also widely known as the shoulder blade.
Here, we’ll explain what the scapula is, its key functions, and why confusion with terms like “homoplato” is so common.
The Real Shoulder Blade of the Back
The shoulder blade is the flat, triangular bone located in the upper back, behind the shoulder. It’s sometimes informally called a “wing bone” or “chicken wing” due to its shape.
Its primary function is to connect the arm to the torso, enabling a wide range of shoulder movements. It’s a fundamental part of human anatomy.
In Spanish, the correct term is “omóplato” (without an initial ‘h’).
The Spanish word ‘omóplato’ comes from the Greek ‘omos’ (shoulder) and ‘platys’ (wide/flat), hence its description. You can verify its precise definition in the RAE dictionary.
The SEP’s Error: When “Homoplato” Slipped into Textbooks
A notable fact is that the term “homoplato” (with an initial ‘h’) appeared in some free textbooks from Mexico’s Secretariat of Public Education (SEP), specifically in the Third Grade Natural Sciences textbook (Block I, page 14 in certain editions). I even took photos as evidence of this serious editorial oversight.
This error caused confusion and was widely noted, as the correct and recognized form in both anatomy and the Spanish language is “omóplato”. Such typos highlight the importance of careful review in educational materials.
Similar Words That Do Exist
While “omóplato con h” (homoplato) is not a valid word, the prefix “homo-” (meaning ‘same’ or ‘similar’) is correctly used in many other words. For example:
- Homonym: Words that sound or are spelled the same but have different meanings (e.g., “hi” and “high”).
- Homogeneous: Having the same nature or composition.
It’s important to differentiate these valid words from the incorrect use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do you spell “omóplato”?
It’s spelled “omóplato” in Spanish, without an initial “h”.
What bone is the “omóplato”?
The “omóplato” is the flat, triangular bone located in the upper back, just behind the shoulder. It is also known as shoulder blade.
What is the function of the “omóplato”?
The “omóplato” connects the arm to the torso, allowing for a wide range of shoulder and arm movements for various actions.
How do you say “omóplato” in English?
In English, the “omóplato” is commonly known as the shoulder blade.
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