Anatomy Quick Reference (Upper Limb, Pelvis, Sacrum)

Humerus anatomy

  • Front (anterior) surface is rough due to deltoid attachment; deltoid tuberosity on the mid‑shaft marks the front.

  • Proximal end features: two tubercles at the top — greater tubercle and lesser tubercle.

  • Orientation terms: medial = toward midline; lateral = away from midline.

  • Distal end features: epicondyles (medial and lateral).

  • Distal depressions (fossae): coronoid fossa (anterior, depress on the front) and olecranon fossa (posterior/depression on the back).

  • Trochlear notch is on the ulna (articulates with the humerus' trochlea); note the difference from humeral fossae.

Forearm bones (radius and ulna)

  • Radius

    • Proximal end has a head (proximal end with a knob).

    • Shaft is the body; distal end articulates with carpal bones in the wrist.

  • Ulna

    • Proximal end features the olecranon process (posterior/top) and the coronoid process (anterior).

    • The trochlear notch is the U‑shaped notch between olecranon and coronoid processes.

    • The top/front/back orientation mirrors the olecranon/coronoid arrangement.

Hand bones

  • Phalanges (fingers)

    • Each finger has proximal, middle (except thumb), and distal phalanges.

    • Thumb has only proximal and distal (no middle).

  • Metacarpals

    • Five metacarpal bones in the palm.

Pelvis anatomy

  • Bones: ilium (top), pubis (anterior/front), ischium (posterior/low), forming the pelvic ring.

  • Acetabulum: the socket for the femoral head.

  • Notches (greater and lesser sciatic notches) on the pelvis form part of the sciatic notch structure.

    • Silhouette clue: find a number seven; top = greater sciatic notch, bottom = lesser sciatic notch.

  • Orientation reminders: pubis is toward the front; ischium is behind/low; ilium is the upper/ iliac region.

Sacrum anatomy

  • Sacral foramina: openings along the sacrum for nerve passage.

  • Sacral crest: the ridge running down the sacrum.

  • Sacral hiatus: the inferior opening at the end of the sacral canal.

Quick exam context

  • The lab/test format is mobile (station-based) with five stations.

  • Expect multiple‑choice style questions at each station.

  • Common confusions to watch:

    • Distinguishing humeral fossae vs. ulna trochlear notch.

    • Correctly naming radius vs. ulna landmarks (head, olecranon, coronoid, trochlear notch).

    • Pelvic landmarks: ilium, pubis, ischium, acetabulum, greater/lesser sciatic notches.