THE HUMERUS ANATOMY
Learn with Chisom Great・2 minutes read
The humerus is the longest bone in the upper limb, connecting the shoulder to the arm and consisting of three parts: the proximal, body, and distal sections, each with unique anatomical features. The proximal section includes the head for shoulder articulation and tuberosities for muscle attachments, while the distal section contains key structures for elbow movement and articulation with the radius and ulna.
Insights
- The humerus is a crucial long bone in the upper limb, connecting the shoulder to the arm, and is structured into three main sections: the proximal part, the body, and the distal part, each with distinct anatomical features that play important roles in movement and function.
- In the proximal part, the head of the humerus fits into the scapula's glenoid cavity, with notable features like the greater and lesser tuberosities, which are key attachment points for muscles, while the body includes the deltoid tuberosity for muscle attachment and the radial groove for the radial nerve, highlighting the humerus's essential contributions to both muscle function and nerve pathways.
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Recent questions
What is the humerus bone?
The humerus is the longest bone in the upper limb, connecting the shoulder to the arm. It plays a crucial role in the structure and function of the arm, allowing for a wide range of motion at the shoulder joint. The humerus articulates with the scapula at the shoulder joint, specifically at the glenoid cavity, enabling the arm to move in various directions. Understanding the humerus is essential for studying human anatomy, particularly in relation to the upper limb's mechanics and movements.
How many parts does the humerus have?
The humerus is divided into three main parts: the proximal part, the body (shaft), and the distal part. Each section has distinct anatomical features that contribute to the overall function of the bone. The proximal part includes the head, which connects to the shoulder, while the body serves as the main shaft of the bone. The distal part contains important structures that interact with the forearm bones, facilitating movement and stability in the elbow joint. This division is significant for understanding the humerus's role in the upper limb.
What are the features of the proximal humerus?
The proximal part of the humerus includes several key features that are vital for its function. It has the head, which fits into the glenoid fossa of the scapula, allowing for shoulder movement. Surrounding the head are the anatomical neck and the surgical neck, the latter being a common site for fractures. Additionally, the greater and lesser tuberosities serve as attachment points for muscles, while the intertubercular groove provides a pathway for the tendon of the biceps brachii. These features are essential for the humerus's role in upper limb mobility.
What is the function of the deltoid tuberosity?
The deltoid tuberosity is a prominent feature located on the body of the humerus, serving as the attachment site for the deltoid muscle. This muscle is crucial for shoulder abduction, flexion, and extension, allowing for a wide range of arm movements. The deltoid tuberosity's position and structure enable it to withstand the forces exerted during these movements, making it an important anatomical landmark. Understanding the deltoid tuberosity's function helps in comprehending how the humerus contributes to the overall mechanics of the shoulder and arm.
What structures are found in the distal humerus?
The distal part of the humerus contains several important structures that facilitate its interaction with the forearm. It features the medial and lateral supracondylar ridges, which are important for muscle attachment, and the medial and lateral epicondyles, which serve as points for ligament attachment. Additionally, the capitulum and trochlea articulate with the radius and ulna, respectively, allowing for smooth movement at the elbow joint. The radial fossa and coronoid fossa accommodate the radius and ulna during elbow flexion, ensuring proper function and stability of the arm.
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Summary
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Anatomy and Function of the Humerus Bone
- The humerus is a long bone that connects the shoulder region to the upper limb, being the longest bone in the upper limb, and articulates with the scapula at the shoulder joint, specifically at the glenoid cavity.
- The humerus is divided into three parts: the proximal part, the body (shaft), and the distal part, each containing specific anatomical features that will be examined in detail.
- The proximal part features the head of the humerus, which articulates with the glenoid fossa of the scapula, and includes the anatomical neck (a narrow depression around the head) and the surgical neck (prone to fractures).
- The greater tuberosity and lesser tuberosity are prominent protrusions on the proximal part, with the intertubercular groove located between them, serving as a passage for the tendon of the long head of the biceps brachii.
- The body of the humerus contains the deltoid tuberosity, which provides attachment for the deltoid muscle, and the radial groove, which allows passage for the radial nerve.
- The distal part features the medial and lateral supracondylar ridges, the medial and lateral epicondyles, the capitulum (articulating with the head of the radius), the radial fossa (for the head of the radius during elbow flexion), the trochlea (articulating with the ulna), and the coronoid fossa (receiving the coronoid process of the ulna during elbow flexion).
