1.4.1. Structure of the Glenohumeral Joint and Proximal Humerus

Question 1

What is the name of the cavity which lies on the lateral surface of the Scapula?

Answer 1

The Glenoid Cavity

Question 2

What articulates with the Glenoid Cavity?

Answer 2

The Head of the Humerus

Question 3

What type of joint is the Glenohumeral Joint?

Answer 3

A Ball and Socket Joint

Question 4

What is the “Ball” in the Glenohumeral Joint?

Answer 4

The Head of the Humerus

Question 5

What is the “Socket” in the Glenohumeral Joint?

Answer 5

The Glenoid Cavity

Question 6

What is the name of the Cartilage surrounding the Glenoid Cavity?

Answer 6

The Glenoid Labrum

Question 7

What is the function of the Glenoid Labrum?

Answer 7

This elevated the Glenoid edge, doubling the Glenoid depth and increasing its surface area.
This results in the “Ball” (Head of the Humerus) staying in place

Question 8

What is a Tubercle? And what does it signify?

Answer 8

It is a round Nodule which signifies an attachment site of a muscle / ligament

Question 9

How many Tubercles does the Humerus have?

Answer 9

2

Question 10

What are the names of the 2 Tubercles of the Humerus?

Answer 10

1. The Greater Tubercle
2. The Lesser Tubercle

Question 11

What connects the Head of the Humerus, to the 2 Tubercles of the Humerus?

Answer 11

The Anatomical Neck

Question 12

Where is the Greater Tubercle located on the Humerus?

Answer 12

Laterally

Question 13

1. How many face(s) does the Greater Tubercle have?
2. What are they?

Answer 13

1. 2
2. a) Anterior Face
3. b) Posterior Face

Question 14

What is the function of the Greater Tubercle?

Answer 14

It serves as an attachment for 3 Rotator Cuff Muscles

Question 15

What are the 3 Rotator Cuff Muscles which attach onto the Greater Tubercle?

Answer 15

1. Supraspinatus
2. Infraspinatus
3. Teres Minor

Question 16

Where is the Lesser Tubercle located on the Humerus?

Answer 16

1. Medially to the Greater Tubercle
2. Laterally to the Head of the Humerus

Question 17

1. How many face(s) does the Lesser Tubercle have?
2. What are they?

Answer 17

1. 1
2. Anterior Face

Question 18

What is the function of the Lesser Tubercle?

Answer 18

It severs as an attachment place for the Subscapularis Muscle (the final Rotator Cuff Muscle)

Question 19

What separates the 2 Tubercles?

Answer 19

The Intertubercular Sulcus (Groove)

Question 20

What runs through the Intertubercular Sulcus?

Answer 20

The Tendon of the Long Head of the Biceps Brachii

Question 21

What are the Edges of the Intertubercular Sulcus known as?

Answer 21

Lips

Question 22

What attaches onto the Lips of the Intertubercular Sulcus?

Answer 22

Tendons of the:
1. Pectoralis Major
2. Teres Major
3. Latissimus Dorsi

Question 23

How many “Necks” of the Humerus are there?

Answer 23

2

Question 24

What are the names of the Necks of the Humerus?

Answer 24

1. The Anatomical Neck
2. The Surgical Neck

Question 25

Where is the Surgical Neck of the Humerus located?

Answer 25

This runs from the Tubercles to the Shaft of the Humerus

Question 26

What are both surfaces of the Glenohumeral Joint covered in?

Answer 26

Hyaline Cartillage

Question 27

Which is larger, the Head of the Humerus, or the Glenoid Fossa?

Answer 27

The Head of the Humerus

Question 28

What is the Clinical Significance of the Head of the Humerus being larger than the Glenoid Fossa?

Answer 28

It means the joint has inherent instability