Surface Anatomy Upper Limbs: Terms & Definition style

Upper Extremity Surface Anatomy

Study of anatomical landmarks that can be palpated or seen externally on the upper limb.

Surface Anatomy

The study of external landmarks that correspond to deeper anatomical structures.

Clavicle

Long, S-shaped bone connecting the sternum to the scapula; palpable along its entire length.

Sternal End of Clavicle

Medial, enlarged end that articulates with the manubrium of the sternum.

Acromial End of Clavicle

Lateral, flattened end that articulates with the acromion of the scapula.

Acromion

Lateral extension of the scapular spine; highest point of the shoulder, easily palpable.

Scapular Spine

Ridge on the posterior scapula that separates supraspinous and infraspinous fossae.

Medial Border of Scapula

Palpable vertical edge closest to the vertebral column.

Inferior Angle of Scapula

Lowest point of scapula; important landmark for muscle attachments.

Coracoid Process

Hook-like projection of scapula anteriorly; palpable just below the clavicle, point of muscle and ligament attachment.

Greater Tubercle of Humerus

Large lateral prominence; attachment for rotator cuff muscles; palpable below the acromion.

Lesser Tubercle of Humerus

Smaller anterior prominence; serves as muscle attachment site.

Intertubercular Groove

Groove between greater and lesser tubercles; passage for tendon of long head of biceps.

Deltoid Tuberosity

Roughened area midway down the humerus lateral side; attachment of deltoid muscle.

Medial Epicondyle of Humerus

Palpable bony prominence at the distal medial humerus; "funny bone."

Lateral Epicondyle of Humerus

Palpable bony prominence at the distal lateral humerus.

Olecranon Process

Point of the elbow; proximal ulna, insertion of triceps brachii.

Head of Radius

Rounded proximal end of radius, palpable during forearm rotation just distal to lateral epicondyle.

Radial Styloid Process

Distal lateral prominence of radius; palpable at wrist.

Ulnar Styloid Process

Distal medial prominence of ulna; palpable at wrist.

Carpal Bones

Eight wrist bones arranged in two rows; difficult to palpate individually.

Scaphoid

Carpal bone at base of thumb; palpable in anatomical snuffbox; common site of fracture.

Pisiform

Small pea-shaped carpal bone palpable on anterior medial wrist.

Metacarpals

Long bones of hand between carpals and phalanges; bases form knuckles when clenched.

Phalanges

Finger bones; proximal, middle, and distal (thumb has only proximal and distal).

Anatomical Snuffbox

Triangular depression at lateral wrist when thumb is extended; bordered by tendons, floor formed by scaphoid.

Thenar Eminence

Fleshy mound at base of thumb; contains muscles that control thumb movement.

Hypothenar Eminence

Fleshy mound at base of little finger; contains muscles controlling little finger.

Cubital Fossa

Triangular depression at anterior elbow; contains biceps tendon, brachial artery, and median nerve.

Axilla

Pyramidal space under the shoulder joint; passage for nerves and vessels to upper limb.

Deltopectoral Groove

Groove between deltoid and pectoralis major muscles; cephalic vein runs here.

Bicipital Aponeurosis

Broad tendon from biceps that blends into forearm fascia in cubital fossa.

Median Cubital Vein

Superficial vein across cubital fossa; common site for venipuncture.