A Frontal View Of The Humerus Featuring The Crest Of The Lesser Tubercle

Description

Anteriorly, the proximal humerus comes into view with the lesser tubercle positioned on the anteromedial aspect of the head, and the crest of the lesser tubercle (crista tuberculi minoris) descending as a roughened vertical ridge along the medial margin of the intertubercular sulcus. As the animation settles into a true frontal orientation, the crest is read in relation to the greater tubercle laterally and the surgical neck inferiorly, with the bicipital groove running between the tubercles. Subtle rotation and push-in framing clarify how the crest forms the medial lip of the groove and continues distally onto the proximal shaft. Bone texture matters here. Clinically, this is the tendon-bearing edge for latissimus dorsi and teres major, while the floor of the intertubercular sulcus anchors the tendon of pectoralis major, a layout that explains predictable patterns in proximal humeral fractures and deforming forces around the surgical neck. The sequence makes it easier to connect palpable landmarks with attachment sites and to appreciate why malreduction can alter the bicipital groove and contribute to long head of biceps tendon irritation or instability. It also pairs well with teaching the subscapularis insertion on the lesser tubercle, just medial and anterior to the groove. Use it in upper-limb osteology labs, gross anatomy lectures on the shoulder girdle and arm, or as a supporting clip in orthopedic or sports-medicine content covering proximal humerus fractures and tendon transfer anatomy. It also fits well in radiology teaching when correlating AP shoulder views with bony landmarks that guide interpretation and surgical planning. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.