Humerus

Seattle Figure Studio
Sep 20, 2025
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Illustrations

Richer, Artistic Anatomy, Plate 19
Henry Vandyke Carter, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Source: Wikipedia

Bony Landmarks

Anatomical Neck #

The slight constriction immediately distal to the head, marking the site of the epiphyseal plate in development and serving as the attachment for the joint capsule.

Capitulum #

A rounded eminence on the anterior, distal lateral humerus that articulates with the head of the Radius.

Greater Tubercle #

A large, lateral projection just distal to the head that provides attachment for the Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, and Teres Minor muscles.

Head of the Humerus #

The rounded, proximal articular surface that fits into the glenoid cavity of the Scapula, forming the glenohumeral (shoulder) joint.

Lateral Epicondyle #

A smaller lateral projection that gives origin to the common extensor tendon (extensor-supinator muscles) and attachment for the radial collateral ligament.

Medial Epicondyle #

A prominent projection on the distal medial side, providing origin for the common flexor tendon (flexor-pronator muscles) and attachment of the ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow.

Nutrient (Oblique) Foramen #

A small opening on the anteromedial shaft that allows nutrient vessels to enter the bone.

Radial (Spiral) Groove #

A shallow groove running obliquely down the posterior shaft, transmitting the radial nerve and deep brachial artery.

Surgical Neck #

The narrower region distal to the tubercles; a common fracture site.

Trochlea #

A spool-shaped medial projection on the anterior distal humerus that articulates with the trochlear notch of the Ulna.

Muscle Origins #

Anterior shaft (distal half)

Infraglenoid Tubercle

Lateral epicondyle (common extensor origin)

Lateral supracondylar ridge

Medial epicondyle (common flexor origin)

Posterior shaft (radial groove region)

Muscle Insertions #

Deltoid Tuberosity

Greater Tubercle

Intertubercular (Bicipital) Groove and Crests

Lesser Tubercle

Medial Shaft of Humerus

Translations

French

Lesser Tubercle
tubercule mineur
Infraglenoid Tubercle
tubercule infraglénoïdal
Medial Epicondyle
épicondyle médial
Greater Tubercle
tubercule majeur
Lateral Epicondyle
épicondyle latéral
Lateral Supracondylar Ridge
crête supracondylienne latérale
Deltoid Tuberosity
tubérosité deltoïdienne
Radial (Spiral) Groove
gouttière radiale
Intertubercular (Bicipital) Groove
sillon intertuberculaire

Russian

Radial (Spiral) Groove
спиральная борозда
Infraglenoid Tubercle
подсуставной бугорок
Deltoid Tuberosity
дельтовидная бугристость
Lateral Supracondylar Ridge
латеральная надмыщелковая гребень
Lesser Tubercle
малый бугорок
Medial Epicondyle
медиальный надмыщелок
Lateral Epicondyle
латеральный надмыщелок
Intertubercular (Bicipital) Groove
межбугорковая борозда
Greater Tubercle
большой бугорок

Notes

Subscapularis is the only Rotator Cuff muscle that inserts on the anterior surface of the humerus.

References