Intertubercular Sulcus Of The Humerus In Anterior View

Description

Intertubercular sulcus (bicipital groove) of the proximal humerus is centered in this anterior view, lying between the greater tubercle laterally and the lesser tubercle medially. Superiorly, the groove approaches the anatomical neck, while inferiorly it continues onto the proximal shaft where the lips of the sulcus provide attachment sites. The floor of the sulcus is where the tendon of the long head of the biceps brachii tracks, held in place by the transverse humeral ligament spanning between the tubercles, with pectoralis major inserting on the lateral lip, teres major on the medial lip, and latissimus dorsi on the floor. Bone contours are the focus. Clinically, this region is a frequent pain generator in anterior shoulder complaints because tenosynovitis of the long head of biceps and instability of the tendon often localize to the bicipital groove. An anterior perspective makes the relationship of the groove to the tubercles and proximal metaphysis easy to teach, which helps when correlating exam findings (positive Speed or Yergason tests) to the underlying osseous landmark and when explaining why osteophytes or malunited fractures near the tubercles can abrade the tendon. Surgeons also reference the bicipital groove during biceps tenodesis and in deltopectoral approaches, using it as a palpable guide to orientation on the proximal humerus. Use this illustration for upper limb osteology labs, gross anatomy teaching on shoulder landmarks, and orthopedic or sports medicine publications discussing long head of biceps pathology, tenodesis, or proximal humerus fracture patterns and tendon entrapment. It also fits patient-facing surgical consent materials when you need an accurate bony landmark without distracting soft tissue. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.