The Humerus (Upper-Arm)

Also commonly known as the Arm or Upper Arm bone, the Humerus is the largest bone of the upper limb. It articulates with the Scapula to form the shoulder joint, and with the Radius and Ulna to form the elbow joint. It is at the elbow joint where the well known ‘funny bone’ is located, but rather than being a bone it’s actually the ulna nerve.

1. Anterior View

A. Capitulum

A condyle that articulates with the Radius

B. Radial Fossa

A depression that accepts the Radius when the elbow is flexed

C. Lateral Supracondylar Ridge

D. Deltoid Tuberosity

Attachment site for the Deloid muscles

E. Intertubercular Groove

Also known as the 'Biceps Groove' or 'Bicipital Groove' because it guides the tendon of the Biceps Brachii to its point of attachment at the Glenoid Cavity of the Scapula. The Latissimus Dorsi also has its insertion point here.

F. Lesser Tubercle

An attachment site for muscles

G. Greater Tubercle

An attachment site for muscles

H. Head of Humerus

The head articulates with the Glenoid Cavity of the Scapula

I. Anatomical Neck

The obliquely directed border around the head of the Humerus

J. Coronoid Fossa

Located on the anterior surface of the Humerus, it allows free movement of the Ulna during flexion and extension

K. Medial Epicondyle

An attachment site for muscles. Common site of 'Golfer's Elbow'

L. Trochlea

A condyle that articulates with the Ulna

2. Posterior View

A. Medial Epicondyle

B. Medial Supracondylar Ridge

C. Radial Groove

The Radial Nerve runs along the Radial Groove

D. Anatomical Neck

E. Surgical Neck

Named because it is the most frequently fractured part of the Humerus 

F. Deltoid Tuberosity

G. Olecranon Fossa

A cavity on th posterior side of Humerus that allows free movement of the Ulna during flexion and extension.

H. Lateral Epicondyle

An attachment site for muscles. Common site of 'Tennis Elbow'

I. Trochlea