Functional Anatomy of the Shoulder, Upper back and Arm

Question 1

Where is the anatomical neck of the humerus?

How does this compare to the surgical neck of the humerus?

Answer 1

Where the initial growth plate was and where the capsule now attaches

The surgical neck is the narrow region between the proximal end of the humerus and the superior half of the shaft, this is more commonly fractured

Question 2

What damage might you worry about with a fracture to the anatomical neck of the humerus?

Answer 2

Damage to the axillary nerve and the circumflex humeral artery

Question 3

Besides the anatomical and the surgical necks, name 4 other features of the proximal humerus

Answer 3

Head of the humerus

Lesser tubercle

Inter-tubercular groove for tendon of long head of biceps

Greater tubercle

Question 4

Which three bones make up the shoulder girdle?

Answer 4

Clavicle

Scapula

Humerus