Head Of The Humerus, Posterior View

Description

Humeral head (caput humeri) dominates this posterior view of the proximal humerus, its smooth, spherical articular surface projecting medially and slightly posteriorly relative to the shaft. Immediately inferior, the anatomical neck forms a subtle circumferential groove, transitioning into the wider metaphysis and the surgical neck, where the proximal humerus narrows before blending into the diaphysis. Laterally, the greater tubercle rises adjacent to the head, with its posterior facet positioned for the insertions of infraspinatus superiorly and teres minor inferiorly, separated from the shaft by a shallow posterior contour. Orientation is unmistakable. Posterior bony topography at the humeral head and surgical neck is a frequent reference point in trauma and shoulder surgery, because the quadrangular space transmits the axillary nerve and posterior circumflex humeral artery around this region even though only osseous landmarks are visible here. The posterior aspect of the greater tubercle helps you teach rotator cuff mechanics and operative repair footprints, while the articular margin of the head provides a clean surface for discussing glenohumeral congruence and lesions related to instability, including impression fractures of the humeral head associated with anterior shoulder dislocation (Hill-Sachs). The fixed posterior perspective also supports side-by-side correlation with an axillary lateral radiograph or CT bone window when teaching proximal humerus fracture patterns involving the surgical neck and tuberosities. Use this illustration in upper limb anatomy labs, orthopedic lecture slides on proximal humerus fractures and shoulder instability, and figure plates for sports medicine texts explaining rotator cuff insertions on the greater tubercle. It also suits patient-education handouts that need a posterior shoulder bone reference without distracting soft tissue. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.