Crest Of The Greater Tubercle On The Humerus, Anterior View

Description

Crest of the greater tubercle (lateral lip of the intertubercular sulcus) is highlighted on the proximal humerus in frontal, anterior orientation. Superiorly, the greater tubercle rises lateral to the humeral head, while the intertubercular (bicipital) groove runs vertically between the greater and lesser tubercles just medial to the crest. Distal to the tubercles, the ridge blends into the anterior surface of the humeral shaft, with the surgical neck region sitting immediately inferior to the head and tubercles. Bony relief is the point. Pectoralis major inserts along this crest, so its exact contour matters when teaching shoulder adduction and internal rotation, and when explaining why proximal humeral fractures or malunion can alter the pectoralis major moment arm and anterior shoulder contour. In anterior approaches to the proximal humerus, surgeons orient to the bicipital groove and the tubercles, then use the lips of the groove as reliable landmarks when planning tenodesis/tenotomy of the long head of biceps or when restoring tuberosity position in fracture fixation, where a few millimeters of displacement can change rotator cuff tensioning and functional outcome. The fixed frontal perspective keeps the ridge and adjacent groove readable without distraction from posterior tuberosity anatomy. Use this illustration in upper-limb osteology labs, orthopedic teaching files covering proximal humerus fractures and shoulder approaches, and medical publishing layouts that need an accurate anterior landmark for pectoralis major insertion and bicipital groove orientation. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.