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1. Anatomy of the Limbs and the
Back
Rena Taher
Rena Taher
Bachelor’s Degree in Laboratory
Medicine: An-Najah National
University/Palestine
Master’s Degree in Human Anatomy:
University of Edinburgh/United Kingdom
raltaher@najah.edu

2. Recommended Books
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3. Lab Overview
• Introduction:
This lab provides a brief overview of the bones of the upper limbs. It discusses the major
features of the shoulder bones, the three joints of the shoulder region, and the rotator cuff
muscles. The lab also illustrates how to palpate major features of the upper limbs’ bones.
• Learning Outcomes:
After studying this lecture, you should be able to:
1. List the bones found in each segment of the upper limb.
2. Describe the major features of each bone of the shoulder, and describe the structures
related to them.
3. Distinguish between right & left clavicles/scapulae.
4. Identify and describe the joints of the shoulder and their associated structures.
5. Locate and palpate major features of upper limbs’ bones on a real body (surface anatomy).
6. List, identify, and describe the rotator cuff muscles.
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4. Movements of the body
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5. Movements of the body
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6. Bones of the upper limbs
Ø Clavicle
Ø Scapula
Ø Humerus
Ø Ulna & Radius
Ø Bones of the hand
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7. Bones of the upper limbs: Clavicle
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8. Bones of the upper limbs: Scapula
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Anterior view Posterior view

9. Bones of the upper limbs: Humerus
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Anterior view Posterior view

10. Bones of the upper limbs: Radius & Ulna
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Anterior view Posterior view

11. Bones of the upper limbs: Bones of the hand
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12. Joints of the shoulder
v The sternoclavicular (SC) joint: a saddle,
synovial joint that is significantly mobile to
allow movements of the pectoral girdle and
upper limb.
• Bones involved: sternal end of the clavicle &
the manubrium of the sternum (and the 1st
costal cartilage).
v The acromioclavicular (AC) joint: a plane,
synovial joint that is critically important for
normal movement of the pectoral girdle.
• Bones involved: the acromial end of the
clavicle & the acromion.
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13. Joints of the shoulder
v The glenohumeral
(shoulder) joint: a ball-
and-socket, synovial joint
that permits a wide range
of movement.
• Bones involved: glenoid
cavity of the scapula & the
humeral head.
• The humeral head is
supported in the cavity by
the rotator cuff muscles
(will be discussed later).
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Radiograph of a normal glenohumeral joint

14. Joints of the shoulder
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15. Surface Anatomy: palpable features of upper limb bones
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16. Rotator cuff muscles (SITS muscles)
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17. Rotator cuff muscles
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Right side, anterior aspect.