Bone
Humerus
Bone of the arm
High-yield
Surgical neck → axillary nerve; radial groove → radial nerve; medial epicondyle → ulnar nerve (the 'funny bone').
Overview
The single long bone of the arm, articulating with the scapula proximally and the radius and ulna distally. Several nerves run in close relation to it.
Reference facts
- Bone type
- Long
- Key landmarks
- Head; Anatomical and surgical necks; Greater and lesser tubercles; Intertubercular (bicipital) groove; Deltoid tuberosity; Radial (spiral) groove; Medial and lateral epicondyles; Capitulum; Trochlea; Olecranon, coronoid, and radial fossae
- Articulations
- Scapula (glenohumeral joint); Radius and ulna (elbow joint)
Clinical correlation
Surgical neck fracture endangers the axillary nerve and posterior circumflex humeral artery.
Frequently asked questions
What type of bone is the humerus?
The humerus is a long bone.
What does the humerus articulate with?
The humerus articulates with the scapula (glenohumeral joint); Radius and ulna (elbow joint).
What are the key landmarks of the humerus?
Key landmarks of the humerus include the head; Anatomical and surgical necks; Greater and lesser tubercles; Intertubercular (bicipital) groove; Deltoid tuberosity; Radial (spiral) groove; Medial and lateral epicondyles; Capitulum; Trochlea; Olecranon, coronoid, and radial fossae.