Humerus Anatomy Practice Quiz
Test your knowledge of elbow and humerus anatomy
Study Outcomes
- Identify key anatomical structures of the humerus and elbow.
- Differentiate between various components of the elbow joint.
- Explain the functional movements associated with the elbow.
- Analyze how structural features contribute to overall joint stability.
- Apply anatomical terminology in describing relevant regions of the elbow and humerus.
- Evaluate the clinical implications of injuries related to the elbow and humerus anatomy.
Humerus & Elbow Anatomy Cheat Sheet
- Longest Upper Limb Bone - The humerus is the superstar bone of your arm, spanning from shoulder to elbow and giving you that swing power. At its top, you'll find the head, anatomical neck, and two tubercles - greater and lesser - each busy hosting muscle attachments to help you flex and lift. kenhub.com Anatomy of the Humerus
- Greater Tubercle Hosts Rotator Cuff Friends - Think of the greater tubercle as a cozy apartment block for three rotator cuff tenants: supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor. Remember "Sally and Ingrid Teach Maths" to keep them in check and ace your muscle mapping. kenhub.com Greater Tubercle Details
- Lesser Tubercle's Solo Star - The lesser tubercle is home to the subscapularis muscle, completing the rotator cuff quartet and powering internal rotation of your shoulder. Its prime location ensures stability when you throw, push, or even scratch your back! kenhub.com Lesser Tubercle Insights
- Bicipital Groove Groove - Nestled between the two tubercles, the intertubercular sulcus (aka bicipital groove) acts like a snug tunnel for the long head of your biceps tendon. Think of it as the VIP track guiding that tendon smoothly from shoulder to forearm. kenhub.com Bicipital Groove Explained
- Elbow Articulations - Down at the distal end, the trochlea partners with the ulna, and the capitulum buddies up with the radius, forming your elbow joint's dynamic duo. Together, they let you flex, extend, and flex again - perfect for high-fives and arm wrestling! teachmeanatomy.info Distal Humerus Anatomy
- Olecranon Fossa Fit - Flip the humerus around and you'll find the olecranon fossa, a deep notch that welcomes the olecranon process of your ulna every time you straighten your arm. Without this groove, elbow extension would be a clunky affair. Wikipedia Olecranon Fossa
- Tri-Joint Elbow System - Your elbow is actually three joints in one: ulnohumeral (hinge), radiohumeral (pivot), and proximal radioulnar (twist). This triple-threat combo lets you flex, extend, pronate, and supinate - fancy words for turning your palm up or down. Orthobullets Elbow Biomechanics
- Ligament Landmarks - Medially, the ulnar collateral ligament stops you from flapping outward; laterally, the radial collateral ligament keeps you from bowing inward. These elastic bands are your elbow's security guards, maintaining stability whether you're throwing a curveball or lifting groceries. Orthobullets Ligament Breakdown
- Carrying Angle Quirk - When you extend your arm and supinate your palm, a small angle appears between arm and forearm - 5 - 10° in dudes, 10 - 15° in ladies. This "carrying angle" helps you carry objects without bumping your hips and gives your arms a natural flare. Orthobullets Carrying Angle
- Axillary Nerve's Roundabout - Wrapping around the surgical neck of the humerus, the axillary nerve is the VIP cable powering your deltoid and teres minor. If it gets nicked, shoulder abduction takes a hit - so keep that nerve happy and protected! NCBI Axillary Nerve Anatomy