Bones

HUMERUS

The humerus is the bone of upper arm that extends from the shoulder to the elbow. The bone is attached to the scapula or shoulder blade above and to the upper part of bones of forearm at the elbow below. The Humerus is long cylindrical bone in the upper part and flattened towards the end. It is the longest bone of the upper limb. It has a round head, narrow neck, cylindrical shaft, and 2 protrusions at the bottom called epicondyles.

Published December 21, 2021

Function

Head of the humerus rotates on the articular surface of scapula or shoulder blade and allows for the great amount of movements of the arm with the help of muscles attached to the bone. Structurally it serves as a connection between the shoulder blade and the elbow. It gives shape to the upper arm.

Disease/ Injury/ Fracture

The common sites of fracture are the surgical neck, the shaft, and the supracondylar region. Fall on the outstretched hand leads to fracture. Dislocation of the head of the humerus occurs downwards.

Anterior humeral glide (AHG) is a common problem. It occurs due to excessive or abnormal anterior movement of the head of the humerus during movement of shoulder.

Interesting fact(s)

When you mistakenly bang elbow, the crazy pin and needles sensation shoots up the arm. This pain can make you laugh and cry at the same time. The bone is actually not a funny one, the funny bone is actually your funny ulnar nerve. This nerve runs through the humerus to the top of forearm close to skin.