Humerus

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Goal: Understand how the humerus (hover for more information) relates to the body as a whole.

Purpose: To encourage deeper, longer-lasting learning by linking the bone to the skeletal, muscular, and cardiovascular systems rather than relying on rote memorization.

How to use this guide: Follow the five structured steps below. They are designed to help you focus on meaningful connections rather than on just memorizing facts.

Click to read about the five steps. Then click to close.

Each step relates the bone to the bigger picture to help you understand the material and remember it for longer.

Location

• Question: Where is the bone?
• Purpose: Helps you build a mental map of the skeleton.

Shape

• Question: What is the bone's shape?
• Purpose: Gives insight into how the bone interacts with the body.

Neighbors

• Question: What bones articulate (form joints with) this bone? What is the type of each joint?
• Purpose: Lets you examine what joints the bone is part of and what movements those joints allow.

Anatomical Landmarks

• Question: What are the named parts of the bone? What is the significance of each?
• Purpose: Connects each named location to the muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and other bones that interact with the location.

Blood Supply

• Question: What blood vessels nourish the bone?
• Purpose: Relates the bone to the cardiovascular system and builds your mental map of the body's blood vessels.

Step 1 – Location

The humerus is found in the upper arm between the shoulder and elbow.

Humerus

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Step 2 – Shape

The humerus is a long bone, which means it functions as a lever to enable movement of the arm.

Humerus

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Step 3 – Neighbors

The humerus has neighboring bones at its two ends: the proximal end at the shoulder, and the distal end at the elbow.

Proximal

Proximal - Anterior - Isolated

Proximal - Anterior - Not isolated

The proximal end of the humerus articulates with the following bones:

• Scapula

Click the bulleted names for more information.

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Scapula

Glenohumeral Joint

The humerus's head articulates with the scapula's glenoid fossa, forming the glenohumeral joint:

• Humeral head: spherical, like a ball
• Glenoid fossa: a socket, concave like a cup
• Joint type: synovial ball-and-socket
• Allowed motion: circumduction and rotation

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Glenohumeral Joint - Anterior - Isolated

Glenohumeral Joint - Anterior - Default

Glenohumeral Joint - Lateral - Isolated

Glenohumeral Joint - Lateral - Default

Glenohumeral Joint - Posterior - Isolated

Glenohumeral Joint - Posterior - Default

Glenohumeral Joint - Medial - Isolated

Glenohumeral Joint - Medial - Default

Glenohumeral Joint - Superior - Isolated

Glenohumeral Joint - Superior - Default

Distal

Distal - Anterior - Isolated

Distal - Anterior - Not isolated

The distal end of the humerus articulates with the following bones:

• Radius
• Ulna

Click the bulleted names for more information.

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Radius

Humeroradial Joint - Part of Elbow Joint

The humerus's capitulum articulates with the radius's head, forming the humeroradial joint:

• Humeral capitulum: rounded
• Radial head: concave
• Joint type: synovial pivot
• Allowed motion: pronation, supination, flexion, and extension of the forearm

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Humeroradial Joint - Anterior - Default

Humeroradial Joint - Anterior - Isolated

Humeroradial Joint - Lateral - Default

Humeroradial Joint - Lateral - Isolated

Humeroradial Joint - Posterior - Default

Humeroradial Joint - Posterior - Isolated

Humeroradial Joint - Medial - Default

Humeroradial Joint - Medial - Isolated

Ulna

Humeroulnar Joint - Part of Elbow Joint

The humerus's trochlea articulates with the ulna's trochlear notch, forming the humeroulnar joint:

• Humeral trochlea: cylindrical structure narrower in the middle than on the outside (like an hourglass)
• Ulnar trochlear notch: C-shaped, wraps around humeral trochlea
• Joint type: synovial hinge
• Allowed motion: flexion and extension of the forearm

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Humeroulnar Joint - Anterior - Default

Humeroulnar Joint - Anterior - Isolated

Humeroulnar Joint - Lateral - Default

Humeroulnar Joint - Lateral - Isolated

Humeroulnar Joint - Posterior - Default

Humeroulnar Joint - Posterior - Isolated

Humeroulnar Joint - Medial - Default

Humeroulnar Joint - Medial - Isolated

Step 4 – Anatomical Landmarks

Most of the named landmarks on the humerus are sites of muscle attachment. Some are grooves that guide tendons, nerves, and blood vessels. Others are indentations (fossas) that accomodate parts of neighboring bones during movement.

Head and Neck

Head and Neck - Anterior - Isolated

Head and Neck - Anterior - Not isolated

The head and neck of the humerus encompasses the following landmarks:

• Head
• Anatomical Neck
• Surgical Neck

Click the bulleted names for more information.

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Head

• Articulates with glenoid fossa of scapula to form the shoulder (glenohumeral) joint

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Head - Anterior - Isolated

Head - Anterior - Default

Head - Posterior - Isolated

Head - Posterior - Default

Anatomical Neck

• Narrow region distal to the humerus's head
• Attachment site for the glenohumeral joint's capsule

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Anatomical Neck - Anterior - Isolated

Anatomical Neck - Anterior - Default

Anatomical Neck - Posterior - Isolated

Anatomical Neck - Posterior - Default

Surgical Neck

• Narrow region distal to tubercles
• Common fracture site
• Close to axillary nerve, anterior circumflex humeral artery, and posterior circumflex humeral artery

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Surgical Neck - Anterior - Isolated

Surgical Neck - Anterior - Default

Surgical Neck - Posterior - Isolated

Surgical Neck - Posterior - Default

Tubercles

Tubercles - Anterior - Isolated

Tubercles - Anterior - Not isolated

The tubercles of the humerus encompass the following landmarks:

• Intertubercular Sulcus
• Greater Tubercle
• Crest of Greater Tubercle
• Lesser Tubercle
• Crest of Lesser Tubercle

Click the bulleted names for more information.

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Intertubercular Sulcus

• Groove between the greater and lesser tubercles
• Guides the long tendon of the biceps brachii
• Also called the bicipital groove due to its relation with the biceps brachii tendon
• Insertion site for the latissimus dorsi

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Intertubercular Sulcus - Anterior - Isolated

Intertubercular Sulcus - Anterior - Default

Greater Tubercle

• Lateral projection between the anatomical and surgical necks
• Insertion site for supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor (rotator cuff muscles)
• Covered by the deltoid to form a person's rounded shoulder

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Greater Tubercle - Anterior - Isolated

Greater Tubercle - Anterior - Default

Greater Tubercle - Lateral - Isolated

Greater Tubercle - Lateral - Default

Greater Tubercle - Posterior - Isolated

Greater Tubercle - Posterior - Default

Crest of Greater Tubercle

• Lateral lip of the intertubercular sulcus
• Insertion site for the pectoralis major's tendon

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Crest of Greater Tubercle - Anterior - Isolated

Crest of Greater Tubercle - Anterior - Default

Lesser Tubercle

• Anterior projection between the anatomical and surgical necks
• Insertion site for the subscapularis (rotator cuff muscle)

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Lesser Tubercle - Anterior - Isolated

Lesser Tubercle - Anterior - Default

Crest of Lesser Tubercle

• Medial lip of the intertubercular sulcus
• Insertion site for the teres major's tendon

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Crest of Lesser Tubercle - Anterior - Isolated

Crest of Lesser Tubercle - Anterior - Default

Body

Body - Anterior - Isolated

Body - Anterior - Not isolated

The body of the humerus encompasses the following landmarks:

• Deltoid Tuberosity
• Body
• Radial Groove

Click the bulleted names for more information.

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Deltoid Tuberosity

• Rough lateral region in the middle of humerus
• Insertion site for the deltoid

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Deltoid Tuberosity - Anterior - Isolated

Deltoid Tuberosity - Anterior - Default

Deltoid Tuberosity - Lateral - Isolated

Deltoid Tuberosity - Lateral - Default

Deltoid Tuberosity - Posterior - Isolated

Deltoid Tuberosity - Posterior - Default

Body

• The shaft of the humerus (the bone's long midsection)

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Body - Anterior - Isolated

Body - Anterior - Default

Body - Posterior - Isolated

Body - Posterior - Default

Radial Groove

• Spiral groove on the shaft's posterior surface
• Guides the radial nerve and deep brachial artery
• Fractures here risk nerve injury

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Radial Groove - Posterior - Isolated

Radial Groove - Posterior - Default

Borders

Borders - Anterior - Isolated

Borders - Anterior - Not isolated

The borders of the humerus encompass the following landmarks:

• Anterior Border
• Lateral Border
• Medial Border

Click the bulleted names for more information.

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Anterior Border

• Anterior ridge on the humerus's body
• Proximal end is the crest of the greater tubercle
• Separates the anteromedial and anterolateral surfaces

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Anterior Border - Anterior - Isolated

Anterior Border - Anterior - Default

Lateral Border

• Lateral ridge on the humerus's body
• Starts at the greater tubercle
• Runs next to the deltoid tuberosity
• Distal end is the lateral supracondylar ridge
• Separates the anterolateral and posterior surfaces

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Lateral Border - Anterior - Isolated

Lateral Border - Anterior - Default

Lateral Border - Lateral - Isolated

Lateral Border - Lateral - Default

Lateral Border - Posterior - Isolated

Lateral Border - Posterior - Default

Medial Border

• Medial ridge on the humerus's body
• Starts at the lesser tubercle
• Distal end is the medial supracondylar ridge
• Separates the anteromedial and posterior surfaces

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Medial Border - Anterior - Isolated

Medial Border - Anterior - Default

Medial Border - Posterior - Isolated

Medial Border - Posterior - Default

Medial Border - Medial - Isolated

Medial Border - Medial - Default

Surfaces

Surfaces - Anterior - Isolated

Surfaces - Anterior - Not isolated

The surfaces of the humerus encompass the following landmarks:

• Anteromedial Surface
• Anterolateral Surface
• Posterior Surface

Click the bulleted names for more information.

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Anteromedial Surface

• Surface between the anterior and medial borders
• Encompasses the intertubercular groove
• Distal portion is covered by the brachialis
• Insertion site for the coracobrachialis

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Anteromedial Surface - Anterior - Isolated

Anteromedial Surface - Anterior - Layer1

Anteromedial Surface - Anterior - Default

Anteromedial Surface - Medial - Isolated

Anteromedial Surface - Medial - Layer1

Anteromedial Surface - Medial - Default

Anterolateral Surface

• Surface between the anterior and lateral borders"
• Encompasses the deltoid tuberosity
• Proximal portion is covered by the deltoid
• Origin site for the lateral brachialis

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Anterolateral Surface - Anterior - Isolated

Anterolateral Surface - Anterior - Default

Anterolateral Surface - Lateral - Isolated

Anterolateral Surface - Lateral - Deltoid

Anterolateral Surface - Lateral - Brachialis

Anterolateral Surface - Lateral - Default

Posterior Surface

• Surface between the lateral and medial borders
• Covered by the medial head of the triceps brachii
• Origin site for the medial and lateral heads of the triceps
  • Medial head inserts inferior to the radial groove
  • Lateral head inserts superior to the radial groove

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Posterior Surface - Posterior - Isolated

Posterior Surface - Posterior - Default

Supracondylar Ridges

Supracondylar Ridges - Anterior - Isolated

Supracondylar Ridges - Anterior - Not isolated

The supracondylar ridges of the humerus encompass the following landmarks:

• Lateral Supracondylar Ridge
• Medial Supracondylar Ridge

Click the bulleted names for more information.

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Lateral Supracondylar Ridge

• Ridge above the lateral epicondyle
• Origin site for the brachioradialis and the extensor carpi radialis longus

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Lateral Supracondylar Ridge - Anterior - Isolated

Lateral Supracondylar Ridge - Anterior - Default

Lateral Supracondylar Ridge - Anterior - Extensor carpi radialis longus

Lateral Supracondylar Ridge - Lateral - Isolated

Lateral Supracondylar Ridge - Lateral - Extensor carpi radialis longus

Lateral Supracondylar Ridge - Lateral - Default

Medial Supracondylar Ridge

• Ridge above the medial epicondyle
• Origin site for the pronator teres's humeral head

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Medial Supracondylar Ridge - Anterior - Isolated

Medial Supracondylar Ridge - Anterior - Default

Medial Supracondylar Ridge - Medial - Isolated

Medial Supracondylar Ridge - Medial - Default

Epicondyles

Epicondyles - Anterior - Isolated

Epicondyles - Anterior - Not isolated

The epicondyles of the humerus encompass the following landmarks:

• Lateral Epicondyle
• Medial Epicondyle

Click the bulleted names for more information.

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Lateral Epicondyle

• Small lateral prominence on the humerus's distal end
• Attachment site for the radial collateral ligament

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Lateral Epicondyle - Anterior - Isolated

Lateral Epicondyle - Anterior - Default

Lateral Epicondyle - Lateral - Isolated

Lateral Epicondyle - Lateral - Default

Lateral Epicondyle - Posterior - Isolated

Lateral Epicondyle - Posterior - Default

Medial Epicondyle

• Larger medial prominence on the humerus's distal end
• Origin for forearm flexor muscles and ulnar collateral ligament
• The posterior side contains the groove for the ulnar nerve

Click image to show/hide labels. Right click to enlarge.

Medial Epicondyle - Anterior - Isolated

Medial Epicondyle - Anterior - Default

Medial Epicondyle - Posterior - Isolated

Medial Epicondyle - Posterior - Default

Medial Epicondyle - Medial - Isolated

Medial Epicondyle - Medial - Default

Fossas

Fossas - Anterior - Isolated

Fossas - Anterior - Not isolated

The fossas of the humerus encompass the following landmarks:

• Radial Fossa
• Coronoid Fossa
• Olecranon Fossa

Click the bulleted names for more information.

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Radial Fossa

• Small anterior depression superior to the capitulum and lateral to the coronoid fossa
• Accommodates the radial head during elbow flexion

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Radial Fossa - Anterior - Isolated

Radial Fossa - Anterior - Default

Radial Fossa - Anterolateral - Isolated

Radial Fossa - Anterolateral - Default

Coronoid Fossa

• Anterior depression superior to the trochlea
• Accommodates the ulna's coronoid process during deep elbow flexion

Click image to show/hide labels. Right click to enlarge.

Coronoid Fossa - Anterior - Isolated

Coronoid Fossa - Anterior - Default

Coronoid Fossa - Anteromedial - Isolated

Coronoid Fossa - Anteromedial - Default

Olecranon Fossa

• Large posterior depression superior to the trochlea
• Accommodates the ulna's olecranon process during elbow extension

Click image to show/hide labels. Right click to enlarge.

Olecranon Fossa - Posterior - Isolated

Olecranon Fossa - Posterior - Default

Olecranon Fossa - Posteromedial - Isolated

Olecranon Fossa - Posteromedial - Default

Distal Structures

Distal Structures - Anterior - Isolated

Distal Structures - Anterior - Not isolated

The distal structures of the humerus encompass the following landmarks:

• Trochlea
• Capitulum
• Condyle
• Groove for the Ulnar Nerve

Click the bulleted names for more information.

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Trochlea

• Pulley-shaped structure on the humerus's distal end
• Articulates with the trochlear notch of the ulna
• Allows for hinge movement
• Medial to the humerus's capitulum

Click image to show/hide labels. Right click to enlarge.

Trochlea - Anterior - Isolated

Trochlea - Anterior - Default

Trochlea - Posterior - Isolated

Trochlea - Posterior - Default

Capitulum

• Rounded structure on the humerus's distal end
• Articulates with the head of the radius
• Allows for forearm rotation and flexion
• Lateral to the humerus's trochlea

Click image to show/hide labels. Right click to enlarge.

Capitulum - Anterior - Isolated

Capitulum - Anterior - Default

Capitulum - Posterior - Isolated

Capitulum - Posterior - Default

Condyle

• Name for the humerus's trochlea and capitulum when looked at together
• Forms the humerus's elbow joint surface

Click image to show/hide labels. Right click to enlarge.

Condyle - Anterior - Isolated

Condyle - Anterior - Default

Condyle - Posterior - Isolated

Condyle - Posterior - Default

Groove for the Ulnar Nerve

• Groove on the posterior surface of the medial epicondyle that the ulnar nerve runs through
• “Funny bone” area because striking this area compresses the ulnar nerve and leads to the "funny bone" sensation
• Also called the Cubital Groove

Click image to show/hide labels. Right click to enlarge.

Groove for the Ulnar Nerve - Anterior - Isolated

Groove for the Ulnar Nerve - Anterior - Default

Groove for the Ulnar Nerve - Posterior - Isolated

Groove for the Ulnar Nerve - Posterior - Default

Step 5 – Blood Supply

UNFINISHED

Plan: Write a description that gives an overview of the entire structure of blood vessels in the humerus. Then lead into breaking them up into proximal, shaft, and distal

NOTE: I have not yet verified that the arteries I have listed for the proximal region, shaft, and distal regions are correct

Proximal Region

Proximal Region - Anterior - Isolated

Proximal Region - Anterior - Not isolated

The proximal region of the humerus is supplied by the following arteries:

• Anterior Circumflex Humeral Artery
• Posterior Circumflex Humeral Artery

Click the bulleted names for more information.

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Anterior Circumflex Humeral Artery

• Do more research
• Supplies deltoid, teres minor, teres major, coracobrachialis, shoulder joint, head of humerus

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Anterior Circumflex Humeral Artery - Anterior - Isolated

Anterior Circumflex Humeral Artery - Anterior - Full

Posterior Circumflex Humeral Artery

• Do more research
• Supplies deltoid, teres minor, teres major, long/lateral heads of triceps brachii, shoulder joint, surrounding tissues

Click image to show/hide labels. Right click to enlarge.

Posterior Circumflex Humeral Artery - Posterior - Isolated

Posterior Circumflex Humeral Artery - Posterior - Full

Shaft

Shaft - Anterior - Isolated

Shaft - Anterior - Not isolated

The shaft of the humerus is supplied by the following arteries:

• Nutrient Artery of the Humerus
• Brachial Artery Branches
• Profunda Brachii Branches

Click the bulleted names for more information.

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Nutrient Artery of the Humerus

• Do more research

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Nutrient Artery of the Humerus - Anterior - Isolated

Nutrient Artery of the Humerus - Anterior - Full

Brachial Artery Branches

• Do more research

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Brachial Artery Branches - Anterior - Isolated

Brachial Artery Branches - Anterior - Full

Profunda Brachii Branches

• Do more research

Click image to show/hide labels. Right click to enlarge.

Profunda Brachii Branches - Anterior - Isolated

Profunda Brachii Branches - Anterior - Full

Distal Region

Distal Region - Anterior - Isolated

Distal Region - Anterior - Not isolated

The distal region of the humerus is supplied by the following arteries:

• Radial Collateral Artery
• Middle Collateral Artery
• Superior Ulnar Collateral Artery
• Inferior Ulnar Collateral Artery

Click the bulleted names for more information.

Click image to show/hide labels. Right click to enlarge.

Radial Collateral Artery

• Do more research

Click image to show/hide labels. Right click to enlarge.

Radial Collateral Artery - Anterior - Isolated

Radial Collateral Artery - Anterior - Full

Middle Collateral Artery

• Do more research

Click image to show/hide labels. Right click to enlarge.

Middle Collateral Artery - Anterior - Isolated

Middle Collateral Artery - Anterior - Full

Superior Ulnar Collateral Artery

• Do more research

Click image to show/hide labels. Right click to enlarge.

Superior Ulnar Collateral Artery - Anterior - Isolated

Superior Ulnar Collateral Artery - Anterior - Full

Inferior Ulnar Collateral Artery

• Do more research

Click image to show/hide labels. Right click to enlarge.

Inferior Ulnar Collateral Artery - Anterior - Isolated

Inferior Ulnar Collateral Artery - Anterior - Full

References

Landmarks and General Anatomy

• Kenhub – Humerus Anatomy
• Lumen Learning – Bones of the Upper Limb

Muscles

• Kenhub – Supraspinatus Muscle
• Kenhub – Brachialis Muscle
• Kenhub – Upper Limb Muscles and Movements
• Kenhub – Arm Muscles
• Kenhub – Latissimus Dorsi Muscle
• Kenhub – Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus
• Kenhub – Pronator Teres Muscle

Joints and Ligaments

• Kenhub – Elbow Joint
• Kenhub – Ligaments of the Upper Limb
• Kenhub – Head of Radius
• Kenhub – Proximal Radioulnar Joint
• Anatomy.co.uk – Humeroulnar Joint
• Anatomy.co.uk – Humeroradial Joint

Nerves

• Kenhub – Axillary Nerve

Arteries

• Teach Me Anatomy – Anterior Circumflex Humeral Artery
• Kenhub – Posterior Circumflex Humeral Artery

Images

All images taken from Z-Anatomy. As of the date this was written (February 2, 2026), Z-Anatomy has a CC-BY-SA 4.0 License.