The Crest Of The Lesser Tubercle Of The Humerus In Anterior View

Description

Rotating in an anterior view of the proximal humerus, the animation brings the lesser tubercle (tuberculum minus) into alignment with the intertubercular sulcus, then tracks inferiorly along the crest of the lesser tubercle (crista tuberculi minoris). Medially, the ridge defines the anterior aspect of the proximal shaft (brachium), while laterally it borders the bicipital groove that continues toward the deltoid tuberosity on the anterolateral diaphysis. Subtle changes in angle clarify how the crest sits anterior and slightly medial to the humeral head, distinct from the more lateral greater tubercle and its crest. Clinically, the crest of the lesser tubercle marks the insertion line for the teres major tendon on the medial lip of the intertubercular sulcus, a relationship that matters when evaluating proximal humeral fractures, tendon avulsions, or postoperative anatomy after shoulder arthroplasty. The sequential motion helps you read the bicipital groove as a three-dimensional corridor for the long head of the biceps tendon, a structure implicated in biceps tendinopathy and frequently addressed with tenodesis or tenotomy. Orientation is the lesson here. Use this clip in upper limb anatomy teaching to anchor landmarks of the proximal humerus, or in orthopedics and sports medicine content explaining bicipital groove anatomy, teres major insertion, and surgical landmarks for biceps tenodesis and deltopectoral approaches. It also integrates cleanly into musculoskeletal radiology modules when correlating anterior humeral landmarks with axial CT or MRI slices. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.