A Lateral View of the Female Lateral Bicipital Groove

Description

Running along the proximal anterior humerus, the intertubercular sulcus (bicipital groove, sulcus intertubercularis) lies between the greater tubercle laterally and the lesser tubercle medially, with the crest of the greater tubercle forming the lateral lip. Superiorly, the tendon of the long head of biceps brachii tracks within the groove toward the supraglenoid tubercle, while pectoralis major inserts onto the lateral lip and latissimus dorsi and teres major approach the floor and medial lip more medially and posteriorly. From an anterior, slightly lateral arm perspective on a female subject, the deltoid mass sits lateral and superficial, and the biceps brachii belly lies anterior, framing the region where the groove is palpated and taught. Clinically, this corridor matters because it is the primary landmark for the long head of biceps tendon and its synovial sheath, a common pain generator in bicipital tendinopathy and tenosynovitis. Tenderness localizes over the groove, and the relationship to the transverse humeral ligament and the rotator interval helps explain tendon subluxation or dislocation after subscapularis tears. This is a surgical wayfinding point. During a deltopectoral approach, identifying the bicipital groove helps orient the surgeon to the humeral head, the lesser tuberosity, and the correct plane for shoulder arthroplasty or proximal humerus fracture fixation. Use this artwork for upper limb anatomy teaching in gross anatomy or musculoskeletal modules, and for sports medicine or orthopedic texts discussing anterior shoulder pain and long head of biceps pathology. It also fits clinical education materials on shoulder examination maneuvers and operative anatomy of the deltopectoral interval. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.