Humerus

Contents

Name of bone

Humerus

Location/Articulation

The humerus is a long bone in the arm, or forelimb, that runs from the shoulder to the elbow. Anatomically, it connects the scapula and the ulna, and consists of the following three sections:

  • Upper extremity of humerus
  • Body section
  • Lower extremity of humerus

Muscle and ligament attachments

  • The deltoid originates on the lateral third of the clavicle, acromion, and the spine of the scapula. It is inserted on the deltoid tuberosity of the humerus and has several actions, including abduction, extension, and rotation.
  • Pectoralis major, teres major, and latissimus dorsi insert at the intertubercular groove of the humerus. They work to adduct and medially rotate the humerus.
  • Biceps brachii, brachialis, coracobrachialis, and brachioradialis (which attaches distally) act to flex the elbow. The biceps, however, does not attach to the humerus.
  • Triceps brachii and anconeus extend the elbow. They attach to the posterior side of the humerus.

Surface anatomy

Radiography

Physical examination

Embryology

Anomalies

Injuries/Disorders

Axillary nerve

The most common type of shoulder dislocation is an anterior or inferior dislocation of the humerus of the glenohumeral joint. This dislocation has the potential to injure the axillary nerve or axillary artery. Signs and symptoms of this dislocation include a loss of the normal shoulder contour and a palpable depression under the acromion.

Ulnar nerve

The ulnar nerve at the distal end of the humerus near the elbow is sometimes referred to in popular culture as the “funny bone.” Striking this nerve can cause a tingling sensation (“funny” feeling), and sometimes a significant amount of pain.

Attachments:


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