AnatomyUpper limbShoulder and arm

Humerus and scapula

Learning objective

After completing this study unit you will be able to:

Describe the parts, surfaces and landmarks of the humerus and scapula in detail.
Give a general overview of the glenohumeral (shoulder) joint.
List and describe the ligaments that hold the humerus and scapula in place.

Watch videos

The humerus is a long bone that comprises the bony framework of the arm, while the scapula is a flat bone of the pectoral girdle. The humerus and scapula articulate with each other to form the glenohumeral (shoulder) joint, which is the most mobile joint of the body. Both bones are held together via several ligaments and muscle tendons.

This video tutorial will help you to learn everything about the anatomy of the humerus and scapula.

Alternatively, you can approach each bone individually with these videos:

Take a quiz

Solidify your knowledge with our quiz.

For a broader topic focus, try out this fully customizable quiz:

Learn the parts of the humerus and scapula with the following PDF worksheets.

BLANK WORKSHEET (PDF)LABELED WORKSHEET (PDF)

Browse atlas

Analyze this topic in depth with our atlas galleries.

Summary

Key points about the humerus
Proximal end	Head of humerus Anatomical neck Surgical neck Greater tubercle Lesser tubercle Intertubercular sulcus (crest of greater tubercle, crest of lesser tubercle)
Body	Surfaces: Anteromedial, anterolateral, posterior Borders: Anterior, lateral, posterior Landmarks: Lateral supracondylar ridge, medial supracondylar ridge, radial groove, supracondylar process
Distal end	Lateral epicondyle Medial epicondyle (groove for ulnar nerve) Condyle of humerus: Capitulum, trochlea, olecranon fossa, coronoid fossa, radial fossa

Key points about the scapula
Surfaces	Costal surface: Subscapular fossa Posterior surface: Spine of scapula, deltoid tubercle, spinoglenoid notch, supraspinous fossa, infraspinous fossa, acromion
Borders	Medial border Lateral border Superior border: Scapular notch, coracoid process
Angles	Superior angle Inferior angle Lateral angle: Glenoid fossa, supraglenoid tubercle, infraglenoid tubercle, neck of scapula

Well done!

Related articles

Continue your learning

Register now and grab your free ultimate anatomy study guide!