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Where is the humerus bone located?
What is the anatomy of the humerus?
What is the humerus of the upper limb?
The humerus ( / ˈhjuːmərəs /; pl.: humeri) is a long bone in the arm that runs from the shoulder to the elbow. It connects the scapula and the two bones of the lower arm, the radius and ulna, and consists of three sections.
- Overview
- Fast facts about the humerus
- Humerus anatomy
- Humerus fractures
- Humerus function
- Other humerus issues
- Summary
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The humerus bone is located in the upper arm between the elbow and shoulder. It’s the longest bone in the arm, and supports movement in the arm and shoulder.
What to know about the humerus bone: anatomy, function, and fractures
The humerus is the bone in your upper arm that’s located between your elbow and your shoulder. Its main function is to provide support for your shoulder and a wide variety of movements for your arm. Fractures are the most common injury to the humerus, and often occur because of a direct blow to the bone.
Keep reading to learn more about your humerus, its different parts, why it’s important, and what types of injuries it can sustain.
•Your humerus is classified as a long bone. Other types of long bones include the radius and ulna in your forearm and the femur in your upper leg.
•Speaking of long, the humerus is the longest bone in your arm.
•Despite its name, when you hit your “funny bone,” you’re not hitting your humerus. You’re actually hitting your ulnar nerve, which is located behind your elbow joint.
•Bones in your arms or hands are more likely to be broken. This is because we commonly use these parts of our body to break a fall or reduce the impact of some kind of trauma or blow.
Your humerus is the only bone in your upper arm. It can be found between your elbow and your shoulder.
There are some important terms to know with regard to the anatomy of your humerus:
•Proximal: This is the upper part of your humerus closest to your shoulder.
•Body or shaft: This is the long, middle portion of your humerus.
•Distal: This is the lower area of your humerus that’s closest to your elbow.
In addition to the areas mentioned above, the humerus is made up of other parts, too. Let’s explore some of these.
Fractures are one of the most common injuries to the humerus. Humerus fractures are classified by their location:
•Proximal: A break that occurs at the end of your humerus closest to your shoulder.
•Mid-shaft or middle: A break that occurs in the shaft or body of your humerus.
•Distal: A break that happens at the end of your humerus that’s closest to your elbow.
Your humerus has two important functions. These are movement and support. Let’s explore them in a little more detail.
The connections that the humerus makes at your shoulder and elbow allow for a wide variety of arm movements, such as:
•rotation at the shoulder joint
•raising your arms away from your body (abduction)
•lowering your arms back toward your body (adduction)
•moving your arm behind your torso (extension)
Other potential issues associated with the humerus include:
•Radial nerve injury: The radial nerve runs through your arm. Radial nerve injury can be a complication of a humerus fracture, particularly middle or distal fractures.
•Metastatic bone disease: Metastatic bone disease is when cancer that developed in one area of the body, such as the lungs or breast, spreads to the bones. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the humerus is commonly impacted.
•Osteochondroses: This is a group of disorders in which bone growth is affected. One type, called Panner’s disease, can impact the distal area of the humerus, leading to pain in the elbow.
Your humerus is the long bone in your upper arm. The connections it makes at the shoulder and elbow enable you to make many different arm movements. The humerus is also a connection point for arm and shoulder muscles.
Humerus fractures are a common injury that are often caused by falls, car accidents, or contact sports. These fractures are typically treated with medications, immobilization, and physical therapy. Surgery may be needed in more severe cases.
Learn about the humerus bone, the longest bone in your arm, and its role in shoulder and elbow movements. Find out how to recognize and treat humerus fractures, which are common injuries caused by direct blows or falls.
Oct 30, 2023 · Learn about the humerus, the longest and largest bone of the upper limb, and its anatomical landmarks, muscular attachments and fractures. The humerus articulates with the scapula at the shoulder and the radius and ulna at the elbow.
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The humerus is your upper arm bone. Other than the bones in your leg, it’s the longest bone in your body. It’s a critical part of your ability to move your arm. Your humerus also supports lots of important muscles, tendons, ligaments and parts of your circulatory system.
Aug 11, 2021 · Learn about the humerus, the largest and only bone in the upper arm, that connects the shoulder and elbow joints. Find out its location, structure, functions, and common injuries.
Aug 7, 2023 · The humerus is the largest bone of the upper extremity and defines the human brachium (arm). It articulates proximally with the glenoid via the glenohumeral (GH) joint and distally with the radius and ulna at the elbow joint.
Feb 6, 2022 · The humerus is the largest bone in the entire upper extremity. The top of the humerus joins with an area called the glenoid fossa on the scapula or shoulder blade. The bottom of the humerus touches the top of the radius and ulna which joins the upper arm with the lower arm.
