Greater tubercle
Greater Tubercle
The Greater Tubercle is a prominent area of bone located on the humerus, the long bone of the upper arm or forelimb forming joints at the shoulder and the elbow. It is one of the four major tubercles found on the humerus, the others being the lesser tubercle, the deltoid tubercle, and the third tubercle.
Etymology[edit | edit source]
The term "tubercle" comes from the Latin word "tuberculum", which means a small swelling or lump. The prefix "greater" is used to differentiate this structure from the lesser tubercle, which is a smaller prominence located on the same bone.
Anatomy[edit | edit source]
The greater tubercle is located on the lateral aspect of the humerus. It is the most lateral structure in the shoulder when the arm is in the anatomical position. The greater tubercle is palpable in the living subject and can be easily felt on the upper and outer part of the arm.
Function[edit | edit source]
The greater tubercle serves as the attachment site for the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor muscles, which are part of the rotator cuff. These muscles play a crucial role in the movement and stabilization of the shoulder joint.
Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]
Injuries or abnormalities of the greater tubercle can lead to a range of medical conditions, including rotator cuff tear, shoulder impingement syndrome, and bursitis. These conditions can cause pain, limited range of motion, and other symptoms.
Related Terms[edit | edit source]
- Humerus: The long bone in the upper arm or forelimb that runs from the shoulder to the elbow.
- Rotator cuff: A group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint, providing stability and enabling a wide range of movements.
- Supraspinatus: One of the four muscles of the rotator cuff, located at the back of the shoulder.
- Infraspinatus: A thick triangular muscle, which occupies the chief part of the infraspinatous fossa and is one of the four muscles of the rotator cuff.
- Teres minor: A narrow, elongated muscle of the rotator cuff.
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
