Humerus Bone - Anatomy, Definition & Function - Human Anatomy | Kenhub

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The humerus is a long bone connecting the shoulder to the elbow, consisting of various anatomical features and articulating with the scapula and other bones in the arm. Different parts of the humerus serve as attachment points for muscles and are susceptible to fractures due to their proximity to nerves and arteries.

Insights

  • The humerus, commonly known as the "funny bone," is a vital bone in the upper arm that connects the shoulder to the elbow, supporting various muscles crucial for arm movement and function.
  • The anatomical features of the humerus, such as the greater and lesser tubercles, surgical neck, and specific muscle attachment points, highlight its structural complexity and susceptibility to fractures, emphasizing the importance of understanding its intricate design for medical and anatomical purposes.

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Recent questions

  • What is the humerus bone?

    The humerus is a long bone connecting the elbow to the shoulder blade, supporting shoulder, upper arm, and lower arm muscles. It has various anatomical features like the humeral head, anatomical neck, greater and lesser tubercles, surgical neck, body (shaft), lateral and medial epicondyles, capitulum, and trochlea.

  • What is the function of the greater and lesser tubercles?

    The greater and lesser tubercles on the humerus serve as attachment points for muscles, providing stability and support for movements of the shoulder and upper arm.

  • Why is the surgical neck of the humerus important?

    The surgical neck of the humerus is crucial because it is prone to fractures and is located near the axillary nerve and posterior humeral circumflex artery, making it a significant area for potential injuries and complications.

  • What are the roles of the lateral and medial epicondyles on the humerus?

    The lateral epicondyle of the humerus attaches extensor muscles, while the medial epicondyle attaches flexor muscles, contributing to the movement and stability of the elbow joint.

  • How do the capitulum and trochlea of the humerus function?

    The capitulum of the humerus articulates with the radius, while the trochlea connects with the ulna, allowing for the flexion and extension movements of the forearm at the elbow joint.

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Summary

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Anatomy of the Humerus Bone

  • The humerus is a long bone connecting the elbow to the shoulder blade, providing support for shoulder, upper arm, and lower arm muscles. The term "funny bone" refers to the humerus, with anatomical features including the humeral head, anatomical neck, greater and lesser tubercles, surgical neck, body (shaft), lateral and medial epicondyles, capitulum, and trochlea.
  • The humerus articulates with the glenoid cavity of the scapula at the glenohumeral joint, with the greater and lesser tubercles serving as muscle attachment points. The surgical neck is prone to fractures and is close to the axillary nerve and posterior humeral circumflex artery. The lateral epicondyle attaches extensor muscles, while the medial epicondyle attaches flexor muscles. The capitulum articulates with the radius, and the trochlea connects with the ulna.
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