Greater Tubercle Of The Humerus, Anterior View

Description

Greater tubercle (tuberculum majus) of the proximal humerus occupies the lateral aspect of the humeral head in this anterior-facing shoulder view, its roughened surface projecting lateral to the articular margin and superior to the surgical neck. Medial to it, the intertubercular sulcus (bicipital groove) forms a vertical interval between the greater tubercle and the lesser tubercle, marking the course of the long head of the biceps brachii tendon. Along the superior and posterolateral facets of the greater tubercle, the insertional footprints for supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor can be inferred, arranged from superior to inferior on the lateral prominence adjacent to the anatomical neck. Bone surface texture stands out. Orthopedic relevance centers on how the greater tubercle acts as the lateral anchor for the rotator cuff, so small changes in its position alter shoulder mechanics and subacromial clearance. Greater tubercle fractures and avulsion fragments are classic after anterior shoulder dislocation or a fall on the outstretched hand, and displacement can produce impingement beneath the acromion and loss of abduction strength through supraspinatus dysfunction. The fixed anterior perspective supports teaching of tendon-to-bone relationships while keeping the bicipital groove and tubercular contours in the same frame for landmark-based orientation. Use this illustration for gross anatomy and musculoskeletal modules covering the shoulder girdle, and for radiology or orthopedics texts that correlate proximal humeral landmarks with AP shoulder radiographs and CT-based fracture classification. It also fits patient-education materials explaining rotator cuff insertion sites and why greater tubercle fractures can mimic or accompany cuff tears. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.