Table of Contents
What is the anatomy of the humerus?
The humerus is the largest bone of the upper extremity and defines the human brachium (arm). It articulates proximally with the glenoid via the glenohumeral (GH) joint and distally with the radius and ulna at the elbow joint.
What is the humerus bone function?
The humerus is the bone in your upper arm that’s located between your elbow and your shoulder. Its main function is to provide support for your shoulder and a wide variety of movements for your arm. Fractures are the most common injury to the humerus, and often occur because of a direct blow to the bone.

Where is the humerus bone connected?
The humerus is a long bone located in the upper arm, between the shoulder joint and elbow joint. The proximal humerus connects to the shoulder through the glenoid fossa of the scapula, forming the glenohumeral joint. The distal humerus articulates at the elbow to the radius and ulna in the forearm.
Why is it called surgical neck of humerus?
The anatomical neck is the portion that lies just below the head. As the neck continues along the humerus body, it is called the surgical neck (so named because this is the location of many fractures that require surgery).
Why is it called humerus?
Etymology. The word “humerus” is derived from Latin: humerus, umerus meaning upper arm, shoulder, and is linguistically related to Gothic ams shoulder and Greek ōmos.

Which muscles attach to the humerus?
The pectoralis major, latissimus dorsi, deltoid, and rotator cuff muscles connect to the humerus and move the arm. The muscles that move the forearm are located along the humerus, which include the triceps brachii, biceps brachii, brachialis, and brachioradialis.
What is the top of the humerus called?
A ‘ball’ at the top of the upper arm bone, humerus, fits neatly into a ‘socket’, called the glenoid, which is part of the shoulder blade, scapula.
What muscles attach to humerus?
Muscle Attachments
Muscle | Attachment |
---|---|
Pectoralis Major | Upper Part of the Anterior Border |
Triceps Brachii | Lower Part of the Lateral Border Lateral Supracondylar Ridge |
Brachioradialis | Lateral Supracondylar Ridge |
Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus | Lateral Supracondylar Ridge |
What part of the humerus is the most commonly fractured?
The most frequently fractured site of the humerus especially in elderly is the surgical neck which is an area of constriction distal to the tuberosities.
How many muscles attach to the humerus?
The muscles attached to the humerus are the deltoid, pectoralis major, teres major, latissimus dorsi, infraspinatus, teres minor, biceps brachii, coracobrachialis muscle, brachioradialus, triceps brachii and the anconeus.
Why is humerus called funny bone?
The ulnar nerve innervates muscles of the forearm, hand and two fingers (the ring and pinky fingers). It is believed to have been named the “funny bone,” because the nerve corresponds to the humerus bone (which sounds like humorous, as in funny).
What are the 3 different types of humeral fractures?
There are three types of humerus fracture, depending on the location of the break:
- Proximal. A proximal humerus fracture is a break in the upper part of your humerus near your shoulder.
- Mid-shaft. A mid-shaft humerus fracture is a break in the middle of your humerus.
- Distal.
How long does it take to heal a broken humerus bone?
The humerus is the long bone in your upper arm. When broken it needs specialised care so that you can cope with the problems it brings. It will take a minimum of 12 weeks to heal. This is a very painful injury so take your pain relief medication regularly as prescribed by the doctor.
What is the most common site of fracture in the humerus?
How many muscles are attached to the humerus?
The humerus serves as an attachment to 13 muscles which contribute to the movements of the hand and elbow, and therefore the function of the upper limb.
Is a broken humerus serious?
Most humerus fractures eventually heal without causing any long-term health problems. For the smoothest recovery process, see your doctor as soon as you notice symptoms of a fracture.
Can a humerus fracture heal without surgery?
A humerus shaft fracture may be treated with or without surgery, depending on the fracture pattern and associated injuries (i.e., nerve injury or open fracture). A temporary splint extending from the shoulder to the forearm and holding the elbow bent at 90 degrees can be used for initial management of the fracture.
What is the best treatment for a broken humerus?
How long does it take a broken humerus to be completely healed?
General Treatment The broken bone will take 3 to 4 months to heal. During this time, you will need to perform exercises to regain range of motion, strength, and return to normal activities. Even if surgery is performed, recovery of full function often takes as long as 18 months.