Head Of The Humerus, Posterior View

Description

Humeral head anatomy dominates the frame, with the spherical articular surface curving medially and superiorly toward the glenoid while its posterolateral margin transitions into the anatomical neck. From this posterior perspective, the greater tubercle sits lateral to the head, and the nonarticular metaphyseal bone narrows inferiorly toward the surgical neck, where the proximal shaft begins. A shallow posterior contour adjacent to the articular cartilage outlines the region where the capsule reflects, helping separate true joint surface from the neck. Spatial relationships are unambiguous. Posterior topography of the humeral head matters in shoulder instability and fracture care because lesions on the posterolateral articular surface can follow anterior dislocation (the classic Hill-Sachs defect), and the adjacent surgical neck is a common site for proximal humerus fractures with risk to the axillary nerve and posterior circumflex humeral artery. Orthopedic teaching often struggles with how the head’s medial inclination and slight posterior orientation relate to tubercle position, and this fixed posterior view solves that by presenting the articular margin, neck, and lateral bony landmarks in one plane. Surface smoothness versus cortical irregularity also reads well, supporting discussions of cartilage-bearing bone versus tendon-bearing tuberosity. Use this illustration in upper-limb gross anatomy labs, orthopedic lecture slides on glenohumeral dislocation patterns, and surgical atlas figures that orient readers before reverse shoulder arthroplasty or posterior capsulolabral repair. It also suits exam questions on proximal humerus landmarks and neurovascular structures at the surgical neck. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.