The document provides a detailed anatomical overview of the humerus, categorizing key areas such as the greater and lesser tuberosities, olecranon fossa, and trochlea, along with their functions and the muscles that attach to them. It explains the relationships of various nerves to the humerus and identifies structures important for arm movement and articulation at the elbow joint. Additionally, it clarifies which nerves and muscles are associated with specific regions of the humerus, particularly in terms of their anatomical significance and function.

1. Questions
Humerus

2. Anterior aspect proximal humerus
The highlighted area
1 Is called the greater tuberosity
2 Is called the lesser tuberosity
3 Receives the supraspinatus muscle
4 Receives the infraspinatus muscle
5 Receives the subscapularis muscle

3. Anterior aspect proximal humerus
This is the lesser tuberosity of the proximal humerus.
It receives the subscapularis muscle which internally rotates the arm.
The supraspinatus and infraspinatus attaches to the greater tuberosity
which is the more lateral prominence of the proximal humerus
The highlighted area
1 Is called the greater tuberosity F
2 Is called the lesser tuberosity T
3 Receives the supraspinatus muscle F
4 Receives the infraspinatus muscle F
5 Receives the subscapularis muscle T

4. Posterior aspect distal humerus
The highlighted area is called the
1 Capitulum
2 Trochlea
3 Olecranon fossa
4 Coronoid fossa
5 Trochlear fossa

5. Posterior aspect distal humerus
This is the olecranon fossa, it articulates with the olecranon process of the
proximal ulna.
The coronoid fossa is on the anterior aspect of the distal humerus and articulates
with the coronoid process of the ulna.
There is no trochlear fossa
The highlighted area is called the
1 Capitulum F
2 Trochlea F
3 Olecranon fossa T
4 Coronoid fossa F
5 Trochlear fossa F

6. The lower end of the humerus gives attachment to
1 flexor digitorum profundus
2 flexor pollicis longus
3 supinator
4 common extensor tendon
5 biceps brachii

7. Flexor digitorum profundus and flexor pollicis longus belong to the ‘deep group’ of
muscles of the flexor compartment of forearm, and have no attachment proximal to
the elbow
Both supinator and the common extensor tendon arise from the lateral epicondyle of
the humerus
Biceps brachii has no attachment to the humerus whatsoever!
The lower end of the humerus gives attachment to
1 flexor digitorum profundus F
2 flexor pollicis longus F
3 supinator T
4 common extensor tendon T
5 biceps brachii F

8. Inferior/oblique view distal humerus
The highlighted area is called the
1 Olecranon process
2 Coronoid process
3 Trochlea
4 Medial epicondyle
5 Capitulum

9. Inferior/oblique view distal humerus
The highlighted area is called the
1 Olecranon process F
2 Coronoid process F
3 Trochlea F
4 Medial epicondyle T
5 Capitulum F

10. Anterior aspect proximal humerus
The highlighted area
1 Is called the lesser tuberosity
2 Is called the greater tuberosity
3 Gives attachment to the subclavius
muscle
4 Gives attachment to the supraspinatus
muscle
5 Gives attachment to the subscapularis
muscle

11. Anterior aspect proximal humerus
The highlighted area
1 Is called the lesser tuberosity F
2 Is called the greater tuberosity T
3 Gives attachment to the subclavius
muscle
F
4 Gives attachment to the supraspinatus
muscle
T
5 Gives attachment to the subscapularis
muscle
F
This is the greater tuberosity of the proximal humerus
It gives attachment to
– supraspinatus muscle which abducts the arm
– Infraspinatus which externally rotates the arm
– Teres minor which externally rotates the arm
The subscapularis attaches to the lesser tuberosity
The subclavius attaches to the clavicle

12. Anterior aspect distal humerus
The highlighted area articulates with
1 Styloid process of the radius
2 Olecranon process of the ulna
3 Head of the radius
4 Head of the ulna
5 Coronoid process of the ulna

13. Anterior aspect distal humerus
The highlighted area articulates with
1 Styloid process of the radius F
2 Olecranon process of the ulna F
3 Head of the radius T
4 Head of the ulna F
5 Coronoid process of the ulna F
This is the capitulum of the distal humerus.
It articulates with the head of the proximal radius.
The styloid process is on the distal aspect of the radius at the wrist joint.
The ulna articulates with the trochlea

14. Superior or bird’s eye view proximal humerus
The highlighted area is called the
1 Lesser tuberosity
2 Lesser trochanter
3 Medial condyle
4 Anterior condyle
5 Greater tuberosity

15. Superior or bird’s eye view proximal humerus
The highlighted area is called the
1 Lesser tuberosity T
2 Lesser trochanter F
3 Medial condyle F
4 Anterior condyle F
5 Greater tuberosity F

16. Concerning relationships of nerves to the humerus:
1 The radial nerve passes through the bicipital groove
2 The median nerve is closely related to the spiral groove of the distal humerus
3 The radial nerve is closely related to the spiral groove on the midshaft of the
radius
4 The ulnar nerve is closely related to the lateral epicondyle of the distal
humerus
5 The ulnar nerve is closely related to the medial epicondyle of the humerus
Nerves

17. Concerning relationships of nerves to the humerus:
1 The radial nerve passes through the bicipital groove F
2 The median nerve is closely related to the spiral groove of the distal humerus F
3 The radial nerve is closely related to the spiral groove on the midshaft of the
radius
F
4 The ulnar nerve is closely related to the lateral epicondyle of the distal
humerus
F
5 The ulnar nerve is closely related to the medial epicondyle of the humerus T
Nerves
The radial nerve is closely related to the spiral groove on the midshaft of the humerus.
The ulnar nerve is immediately posterior to the medial epicondyle of the distal
humerus
The long head of biceps tendon passes through the bicipital groove of the proximal
humerus

18. Anterior aspect proximal humerus
The following muscles attach to the highlighted area
and move the arm as stated
1 Subscapularis which elevates the arm
2 Infraspinatus which externally rotates the
arm
3 Subscapularis which internally rotates the
arm
4 Supraspinatus which abducts the arm
5 Infraspinatus which internally rotates the
arm

19. Anterior aspect proximal humerus
The following muscles attach to the highlighted area
and move the arm as stated
1 Subscapularis which elevates the arm F
2 Infraspinatus which externally rotates the
arm
T
3 Subscapularis which internally rotates the
arm
F
4 Supraspinatus which abducts the arm T
5 Infraspinatus which internally rotates the
arm
F
The highlighted area is the greater tuberosity which provides attachment for 3 of the 4 rotator
cuff muscles.
From superior to posterior they are
– Supraspinatus which abducts the arm
– Infraspinatus which externally rotates the arm
– Teres minor which externally rotates the arm
The subscapularis is the other rotator cuff muscle. It attaches to the lesser tuberosity and
internally rotates the arm.

20. Anterior aspect distal humerus
The highlighted area
1 Is called the trochlea
2 Is called the capitulum
3 Is called the coronoid process
4 Is called the coracoid process
5 Is called the olecranon process

21. Anterior aspect distal humerus
The highlighted area is called the trochlea
The highlighted area
1 Is called the trochlea T
2 Is called the capitulum F
3 Is called the coronoid process F
4 Is called the coracoid process F
5 Is called the olecranon process F

22. Anterior Aspect Distal Humerus
The following muscles arise from here
1 Palmaris longus
2 Flexor pollicis longus
3 Extensor carpi ulnaris
4 Pronator teres
5 Flexor carpi radialis

23. Anterior Aspect Distal Humerus
This is the medial epicondyle of the distal humerus. It gives rise to the common flexor
tendons. These include pronator teres, flexor carpi radialis, flexor carpi ulnaris,
palmaris longus and flexor digitorum. Flexor pollicis longus arises from the shaft of the
volar aspect of the radius. Extensor carpi ulnaris arises from the common extensor
tendon on the lateral epicondyle of the distal humerus.
The following muscles arise from here
1 Palmaris longus T
2 Flexor pollicis longus F
3 Extensor carpi ulnaris F
4 Pronator teres T
5 Flexor carpi radialis T

24. Anterior aspect distal humerus
Movements at the articulation of the
highlighted area include
1 supination
2 abduction
3 flexion
4 adduction
5 extension

25. Anterior aspect distal humerus
The highlighted area is called the trochlea.
It articulates with the proximal aspect of the ulna at the elbow joint.
Movement at this articulation is flexion and extension.
Movements at the articulation of the
highlighted area include
1 supination F
2 abduction F
3 flexion T
4 adduction F
5 extension T

26. Inferior/oblique view distal humerus
The highlighted area is called the
1 Olecranon process
2 Coronoid process
3 Lateral epicondyle
4 Medial epicondyle
5 Capitulum

27. Inferior/oblique view distal humerus
The highlighted area is called the
1 Olecranon process F
2 Coronoid process F
3 Lateral epicondyle F
4 Medial epicondyle F
5 Capitulum T

28. The following muscles/tendons are attached to
the greater tuberosity of the humerus
1 supraspinatus
2 teres major
3 infraspinatus
4 latissimus dorsi
5 subscapularis

29. Teres major is attached to the medial lip of the intertubercular sulcus
Latissimus dorsi is attached to the floor of the intertubercular sulcus, not the greater
tuberosity
Subscapularis inserts onto the lesser tuberosity, not greater tuberosity.
Three tendons insert onto the greater tuberosity of the humerus: supraspinatus to the
upper aspect, and infraspinatus and teres minor to the posterior aspect. These three
tendons along with subscapularis make up the rotator cuff.
The following muscles/tendons are attached to
the greater tuberosity of the humerus
1 supraspinatus T
2 teres major F
3 infraspinatus T
4 latissimus dorsi F
5 subscapularis F

30. Anterior aspect proximal humerus
The following structures pass through the
highlighted area
1 Long head of biceps tendon
2 Radial nerve
3 Musculocutaneous nerve
4 Ulnar nerve
5 Short head of biceps tendon

31. Anterior aspect proximal humerus
The following structures pass through the
highlighted area
1 Long head of biceps tendon T
2 Radial nerve F
3 Musculocutaneous nerve F
4 Ulnar nerve F
5 Short head of biceps tendon F
This is the bicipital groove. The long head of biceps tendon originates from the
superior aspect of the glenoid of the scapula and then traverses through the
bicipital groove of the proximal humerus.
There are no nerves in the bicipital groove.

32. Inferior/oblique view distal humerus
The highlighted area is called the
1 Olecranon process
2 Coronoid process
3 Trochlea
4 Medial epicondyle
5 Capitulum

33. Inferior/oblique view distal humerus
The highlighted area is called the
1 Olecranon process F
2 Coronoid process F
3 Trochlea T
4 Medial epicondyle F
5 Capitulum F

34. Anterior aspect distal humerus
The highlighted area is called the
1 Olecranon process
2 Coronoid process
3 Lateral epicondyle
4 Medial epicondyle
5 Capitulum

35. Anterior aspect distal humerus
The highlighted area is called the
1 Olecranon process F
2 Coronoid process F
3 Lateral epicondyle F
4 Medial epicondyle F
5 Capitulum T
This is the capitulum

36. Superior or bird’s eye view proximal humerus
The muscle that attaches here is innervated by the
1 Anterior suprascapular nerve
2 Axillary nerve
3 Upper subscapular nerve
4 Anterior subscapular nerve
5 Lower subscapular nerve

37. Superior or bird’s eye view proximal humerus
The muscle that attaches here is innervated by the
1 Anterior suprascapular nerve F
2 Axillary nerve F
3 Upper subscapular nerve T
4 Anterior subscapular nerve F
5 Lower subscapular nerve T
This is the lesser tuberosity of the proximal humerus.
The subscapularis attaches here and internally rotates the arm.
Subscapularis is innervated by the upper and lower subscapular nerves

38. Posterior Aspect Right Distal Humerus
The highlighted area is
1 Called the medial epicondyle
2 Called the lateral epicondyle
3 Gives rise to the common flexor tendons
4 Gives rise to the common extensor tendons
5 Is closely related to the median nerve

39. Posterior Aspect Right Distal Humerus
This is the lateral epicondyle of the right distal humerus. It gives rise to the common
extensor tendons which arise from the front of the lateral epicondyle. There are no
nerves closely related to the lateral epicondyle.
The highlighted area is
1 Called the medial epicondyle F
2 Called the lateral epicondyle T
3 Gives rise to the common flexor tendons F
4 Gives rise to the common extensor tendons T
5 Is closely related to the median nerve F

40. With regard to the humerus
1 The upper end of the humerus is the growing end
2 Teres minor is attached to the lesser tuberosity
3 The long head of triceps arises from the posterior surface of the
humerus
4 The radial nerve is accompanied by an artery as it courses
obliquely behind the humerus
5 Teres major is attached to the lateral lip of the intertubercular
sulcus

41. The lateral and medial heads of triceps arise from the posterior aspect of the
humerus. The long head arises from the infraglenoid tubercle of the scapula.
The artery which accompanies the radial nerve through the posterior compartment
of the arm is called the profunda brachii artery, and is a branch of the brachial artery
Teres major is attached to the medial lip of the intertubercular sulcus
With regard to the humerus
1 The upper end of the humerus is the growing end T
2 Teres minor is attached to the lesser tuberosity F
3 The long head of triceps arises from the posterior surface of the
humerus
F
4 The radial nerve is accompanied by an artery as it courses
obliquely behind the humerus
T
5 Teres major is attached to the lateral lip of the intertubercular
sulcus
F

42. Anterior aspect proximal humerus
The highlighted area is called the
1 Greater tuberosity
2 Lesser tuberosity
3 Greater trochanter
4 Spiral Groove
5 Bicipital Groove

43. Anterior aspect proximal humerus
The highlighted area is called the
1 Greater tuberosity F
2 Lesser tuberosity F
3 Greater trochanter F
4 Spiral Groove F
5 Bicipital Groove T

44. Superior or bird’s eye view proximal humerus
The highlighted area is called the
1 Lesser tuberosity
2 Lesser trochanter
3 Medial condyle
4 Anterior condyle
5 Greater tuberosity

45. Superior or bird’s eye view proximal humerus
The highlighted area is called the
1 Lesser tuberosity T
2 Lesser trochanter F
3 Medial condyle F
4 Anterior condyle F
5 Greater tuberosity F

46. The following nerves touch the humeral periosteum directly
1 Axillary nerve
2 Median nerve
3 Ulnar nerve
4 Radial nerve
5 Thoracodorsal nerve

47. Axillary nerve touches the posterolateral aspect of the surgical neck of humerus
Ulnar nerve touches the posterior aspect of the medial epicondyle of humerus
Radial nerve touches the lower end of the spiral groove on the lateral aspect of the lower
part of the humeral shaft
The following nerves touch the humeral periosteum directly
1 Axillary nerve T
2 Median nerve F
3 Ulnar nerve T
4 Radial nerve T
5 Thoracodorsal nerve F

48. Anterior aspect distal humerus
The highlighted area articulates with
1 the distal radius
2 The distal ulna
3 The proximal ulna
4 The proximal radius
5 The head of the radius

49. Anterior aspect distal humerus
The highlighted area is called the trochlea.
It articulates with the proximal aspect of the ulna at
the elbow joint.
The highlighted area articulates with
1 the distal radius F
2 The distal ulna F
3 The proximal ulna T
4 The proximal radius F
5 The head of the radius F

50. Superior or bird’s eye view proximal humerus
The highlighted area is called the
1 Lesser tuberosity
2 Lesser trochanter
3 Greater trochanter
4 Lateral condyle
5 Greater tuberosity

51. Superior or bird’s eye view proximal humerus
The highlighted area is called the
1 Lesser tuberosity F
2 Lesser trochanter F
3 Greater trochanter F
4 Lateral condyle F
5 Greater tuberosity T

52. Anterior Aspect Distal Humerus
The highlighted area is
1 Called the medial epicondyle
2 Called the lateral epicondyle
3 Gives rise to the common flexor tendons
4 Gives rise to the common extensor tendons
5 Is closely related to the median nerve

53. Anterior Aspect Distal Humerus
This is the medial epicondyle. The common flexor tendon of the forearm arises from
here.
The ulnar nerve passes directly behind the medial epicondyle and can be easily
palpated here. Knocking this area can send tingles down the arm and is commonly
referred to as ‘hitting my funny bone’.
The highlighted area is
1 Called the medial epicondyle T
2 Called the lateral epicondyle F
3 Gives rise to the common flexor tendons T
4 Gives rise to the common extensor tendons F
5 Is closely related to the median nerve F

54. Anterior Aspect Distal Humerus
The highlighted area is called the
1 Capitulum
2 Trochlea
3 Olecranon fossa
4 Coronoid fossa
5 Trochlear fossa

55. Anterior Aspect Distal Humerus
This is the coronoid fossa. It articulates with the coronoid process of the proximal ulna
The highlighted area is called the
1 Capitulum F
2 Trochlea F
3 Olecranon fossa F
4 Coronoid fossa T
5 Trochlear fossa F

56. The following muscles attach to the highlighted
area and move the arm accordingly
1 Subscapularis which elevates the arm
2 Infraspinatus which externally rotates
the arm
3 Subscapularis which internally rotates
the arm
4 Supraspinatus which abducts the arm
5 Infraspinatus which internally rotates
the arm
Superior or bird’s eye view proximal humerus

57. The following muscles attach to the highlighted
area and move the arm accordingly
1 Subscapularis which elevates the arm F
2 Infraspinatus which externally rotates
the arm
F
3 Subscapularis which internally rotates
the arm
T
4 Supraspinatus which abducts the arm F
5 Infraspinatus which internally rotates
the arm
F
Superior or bird’s eye view proximal humerus
This is the lesser tuberosity of the proximal humerus.
The subscapularis attaches here and internally rotates the arm.

58. Posterior Aspect Distal Humerus
The following muscles arise from here
1 Extensor pollicis brevis
2 Flexor pollicis longus
3 Extensor carpi ulnaris
4 Pronator teres
5 Extensor digitorum

59. Posterior Aspect Distal Humerus
This is the lateral epicondyle of the distal humerus. It gives rise to the common
extensor tendons. These include extensor carpi radialis brevis, extensor digitorum,
extensor digiti minimi, extensor carpi ulnaris and anconeus.
Pronator teres arises form the medial epicondyle. Extensor pollicis longus arises from
the shaft of the dorsal aspect of the ulna. Extensor pollicis brevis arises from the shaft
of the radius. Flexor pollicis longus arises from the shaft of the volar aspect of the
radius.
The following muscles arise from here
1 Extensor pollicis brevis F
2 Flexor pollicis longus F
3 Extensor carpi ulnaris T
4 Pronator teres F
5 Extensor digitorum T

60. The following structures are attached to the lateral epicondyle
of the humerus
1 pronator teres
2 brachioradialis
3 supinator
4 lateral collateral ligament of the elbow joint
5 common extensor tendon

61. Pronator teres arises through the common flexor tendon from the medial epicondyle
of humerus
The humeral attachment of brachioradialis is to the upper 2/3rds of the lateral
supracondylar ridge; not lateral epicondyle
The superficial head of supinator does indeed arise from the lateral epicondyle
The common extensor tendon arises from the anterior aspect of the lateral
epicondyle
The following structures are attached to the lateral epicondyle
of the humerus
1 pronator teres F
2 brachioradialis F
3 supinator T
4 lateral collateral ligament of the elbow joint T
5 common extensor tendon T