Bones of the upper limb

Glenohumeral joint

A synovial ball and socket joint between the humeral head and the glenoid cavity of the scapula.

Multiaxial

A type of joint that allows movement in multiple axes, including flexion, extension, abduction, medial rotation, lateral rotation, and circumduction.

Rotator cuff

A group of muscles and their tendons that act to stabilize the shoulder joint.

Clavicle

A bony attachment between the trunk and the upper limb, palpable along its entire length.

Scapula

A large, flat, triangular bone with three angles and three borders that forms part of the shoulder girdle.

Glenoid cavity

A shallow socket in the scapula that articulates with the head of the humerus, forming the glenohumeral joint.

Acromion

An anterolateral projection of the spine of the scapula that arches over the glenohumeral joint and articulates with the clavicle.

Humerus

The bone of the upper arm that consists of a proximal end, which includes the head, anatomical neck, tubercles, and surgical neck.

Greater tubercle

A lateral muscle attachment site on the humerus that is larger than the lesser tubercle.

Lesser tubercle

An anterior muscle attachment site on the humerus that is smaller than the greater tubercle.

Surgical neck

A horizontal area of the humerus that is commonly fractured and has lower bone density.