Humerus Anatomy Notes

Humerus Anatomy - Anterior View

  • Greater Tubercle: Located on the lateral side of the proximal humerus.

  • Lesser Tubercle: Situated on the anterior aspect of the proximal humerus, medial to the greater tubercle.

  • Intertubercular Groove (Bicipital Groove): A groove between the greater and lesser tubercles, lodging the tendon of the long head of the biceps brachii muscle.

  • Deltoid Tuberosity: A roughened area on the lateral surface of the humerus shaft, serving as the insertion point for the deltoid muscle.

  • Head: The proximal, rounded end of the humerus that articulates with the glenoid cavity of the scapula.

  • Anatomical Neck: A groove encircling the humerus head, representing the attachment site of the joint capsule.

  • Surgical Neck: A common fracture site, located distal to the anatomical neck.

  • Medial Supracondylar Ridge: A bony ridge located superior to the medial epicondyle.

  • Lateral Supracondylar Ridge: A bony ridge located superior to the lateral epicondyle.

  • Radial Fossa: A shallow depression on the anterior surface of the humerus, superior to the capitulum; it accommodates the radial head during elbow flexion.

  • Lateral Epicondyle: A bony prominence on the lateral side of the distal humerus.

  • Capitulum: A rounded, lateral articular surface that articulates with the head of the radius.

  • Trochlea: A spool-shaped articular surface that articulates with the ulna.

  • Medial Epicondyle: A bony prominence on the medial side of the distal humerus.

  • Coronoid Fossa: A depression on the anterior surface of the humerus, superior to the trochlea; it accommodates the coronoid process of the ulna during elbow flexion.

Humerus Anatomy - Posterior View

  • Greater Tubercle: Located on the lateral side of the proximal humerus.

  • Radial Groove (Spiral Groove): A groove running obliquely down the posterior shaft of the humerus, lodging the radial nerve and profunda brachii artery.

  • Olecranon Fossa: A deep depression on the posterior surface of the humerus, superior to the trochlea; it accommodates the olecranon process of the ulna during elbow extension.

  • Lateral Epicondyle: A bony prominence on the lateral side of the distal humerus.