Humerus Anatomy Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the role of the greater tubercle of the proximal humerus?

Attaches to the biceps muscle

Forms the shoulder joint with the scapula

Serves as a site for nerve attachment

Attaches to the pectoralis major and supraspinatus muscles (correct)

Which anatomical feature is located directly below the anatomic neck of the humerus?

Greater tubercle

Surgical neck

Deltoid tuberosity

Lesser tubercle (correct)

Which fat pad is located posteriorly around the elbow joint?

Central Fat Stripe

Posterior Fat Pad (correct)

Supinator Fat Stripe

Anterior Fat Pad

What is the primary function of the intertubercular groove in the proximal humerus?

Houses the tendon of the long head of the biceps brachii Signup and view all the answers

Which joint is formed between the humerus and the scapula?

Scapulohumeral joint Signup and view all the answers

Which structure of the humerus is located laterally and articulates with the radius?

Capitulum Signup and view all the answers

What are the three fossa present in the distal humerus?

Olecranon fossa, Coronoid fossa, Radial fossa Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following structures is not a prominence of the humerus?

Radial head Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the neck of the humerus that is commonly referred to in surgical contexts?

Surgical neck Signup and view all the answers

Which structure serves as a guide for positioning in the distal humerus?

Lateral epicondyle Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of requesting different projections for imaging the humerus?

To accurately assess fractures and joint alignment Signup and view all the answers

Which view is typically used to visualize the distal humerus when assessing for specific fossa?

Anterior/Posterior (AP) view Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the humerus is associated with the ulna and has a pulley-like shape?

Trochlea Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct positioning for the humerus during external rotation?

True AP position Signup and view all the answers

What should be the orientation of the epicondyles for a lateral projection of the humerus?

Perpendicular to the IR Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a routine projection for the humerus?

Horizontal Beam Lateral Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using a grid during imaging of the humerus?

To reduce scatter radiation Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct centering for the AP projection of the humerus?

At the midpoint of the humerus Signup and view all the answers

Which joint is located between the acromion and the clavicle?

Acromio-clavicular joint Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of necks found in the proximal humerus?

Anatomical neck and surgical neck Signup and view all the answers

Which projection is specifically advised against arm rotation if a fracture is suspected?

Horizontal Beam Lateral Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is NOT part of the scapula?

Deltoid tuberosity Signup and view all the answers

In the lateral projection 'lateromedial' view, how is the patient positioned?

Back to the image receptor Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the true AP projection of the humerus?

Greater tubercle seen in profile laterally Signup and view all the answers

What muscle attaches to the greater tubercle of the humerus?

Pectoralis major Signup and view all the answers

Which angle is NOT associated with the scapula?

Lateral angle Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the groove that separates the tubercles of the proximal humerus?

Intertubercular sulcus Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of the deltoid tuberosity?

Attachment for the deltoid muscle Signup and view all the answers

Which projection is typically requested to visualize the scapula?

Lateral projection Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the clavicle and scapula in the shoulder girdle?

To connect the upper limb to the trunk Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the location of the lateral (axillary) border of the scapula?

Border nearest the axilla Signup and view all the answers

What is the most inferior portion of the scapula called?

Inferior angle Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the glenoid cavity of the scapula?

To articulate with the head of the humerus Signup and view all the answers

The acromion is best described as what type of structure in relation to the scapula?

A long curved process Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the scapula serves as a major attachment site for shoulder muscles?

Subscapular fossa Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the spine of the scapula?

It separates the posterior surface into two fossae Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the scapula is referred to as the 'wing' or 'ala'?

The body of the scapula Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Humerus Anatomy

The humerus is the largest and longest bone in the upper extremity.
It is about 1/5 the length of an adult's height.
The humerus articulates with the scapula at the shoulder joint.
The rounded, uppermost portion of the humerus is known as the head.
The slightly constricted area below the head of the humerus is called the anatomical neck.
The lesser tubercle is a process directly below the anatomical neck on the anterior surface of the humerus.
The greater tubercle is a larger, lateral process that extends from the humerus. The pectoralis major and supraspinatus muscles attach to the greater tubercle.
The intertubercular groove (bicipital groove) is a deep groove located between the two tubercles.
The surgical neck is the tapered area below the head and tubercles. The surgical neck is the most commonly fractured portion in the humerus.
The deltoid tuberosity is a rough, raised elevation located on the anterolateral surface of the humerus. The deltoid muscle attaches here.

Shoulder Girdle

The shoulder girdle is comprised of the clavicle and scapula.
Its function is to connect the upper limb to the trunk (axial skeleton).
The shoulder joint (glenohumeral joint) is the articulation of the scapula (glenoid cavity) and the head of the humerus.

Scapula Anatomy

The scapula forms the posterior component of the shoulder girdle.
It is a flat, triangular bone.

Borders

The superior border is the uppermost margin of the scapula.
The lateral (axillary) border is nearest to the axilla.
The medial (vertebral) border is closest to the vertebrae.

Angles

The superior angle is the high, medial corner.
The inferior angle is the most inferior portion of the scapula.
The lateral angle (head) is the thickest part of the scapula.
The lateral angle ends in a shallow depression called the glenoid cavity (fossa), which articulates with the head of the humerus.

Anterior View

The neck is the constricted area between the head and body.
The body (blade) is arched for strength and features a thin, flat lower portion known as the "wing" or "ala."
The costal (ventral) surface is the anterior surface of the scapula.
The subscapular fossa is a large depression located on the anterior side of the scapula.
The acromion is a long, curved process that extends laterally over the head of the humerus.
The coracoid process is a thick, beak-like process that projects anteriorly beneath the clavicle.
The suprascapular notch is located on the superior border, partially formed by the base of the coracoid process.

Posterior View

The spine is a prominent structure on the posterior surface of the scapula. It starts as a smooth area at the vertebral border and continues laterally to end at the acromion.
The crest of the spine is the thickened ridge of the spine.
The spine divides the posterior surface into the infraspinous fossa and the supraspinous fossa. These fossae serve as attachment points for shoulder muscles.
The lateral view of the scapula resembles the letter "Y."

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Description

This quiz covers the key anatomical features of the humerus, the largest bone in the upper extremity. Learn about its structure including the head, necks, tubercles, and important grooves. Understand how these components relate to muscle attachments and common injuries.