humerusens

The humerus is the long bone in the upper limb of the human body. It extends from the shoulder to the elbow. It is the largest bone in the human arm. The humerus connects the scapula (shoulder bone) at the shoulder joint and the radius and ulna at the elbow joint.

The proximal end of the humerus features the head, which articulates with the glenoid cavity of the scapula, forming the glenohumeral joint. This ball-and-socket joint allows for a wide range of motion in the arm. Below the head are the greater and lesser tubercles, which serve as attachment points for muscles of the rotator cuff.

The shaft of the humerus, also known as the diaphysis, is a long, cylindrical portion that is slightly curved. It provides attachment for numerous muscles, including the deltoid and coracobrachialis.

The distal end of the humerus articulates with the bones of the forearm. It includes the trochlea, which articulates with the ulna, and the capitulum, which articulates with the radius. The epicondyles, located on either side of the distal humerus, serve as attachment sites for forearm muscles and ligaments. Fractures of the humerus can occur at various points along the bone and can impact the shoulder, mid-arm, or elbow.