Head of the Humerus, Posterior View

Description

Seen from posterior, the caput humeri forms a smooth convex articular surface facing medially and slightly superiorly toward the cavitas glenoidalis of the scapula. Lateral to the head, the tuberculum majus (greater tubercle) projects as the prominent bony contour, while the collum anatomicum (anatomical neck) encircles the articular margin as a subtle groove. Portions of the scapular neck and posterior glenoid rim sit medial to the proximal humerus, establishing the ball-and-socket relationship of the glenohumeral joint. Blue highlighting along the articular interface suggests cartilage coverage on the humeral head and/or the glenoid surface. Posterior orientation matters because it aligns with how clinicians assess instability and cuff pathology: the greater tubercle is the footprint for supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor, and its relationship to the articular margin helps distinguish tendinous insertion from the joint surface. This view also supports teaching the typical direction of traumatic dislocation (anteroinferior) by contrast, making it easier to explain why associated lesions such as a posterolateral humeral head impaction fracture (Hill-Sachs) can be present even when the posterior bony anatomy looks intact. Clear bony landmarks. They guide safe portal placement and implant positioning. Use this illustration in gross anatomy and musculoskeletal modules when you need a clean posterior reference for the proximal humerus, scapula, and articular cartilage boundaries, or in orthopedics and sports medicine texts discussing rotator cuff tears, glenohumeral instability, and proximal humerus fracture patterns around the anatomical neck and tubercles. It also fits preoperative planning and patient-education materials for arthroscopy where posterior portals and posterior cuff anatomy must be explained succinctly. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.