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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

Humerus bone labeling quiz: identify key landmarks

20 fast questions in a humerus anatomy quiz. Instant results and feedback.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Isabelle MccownUpdated Aug 27, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
Grade: Grade 8
Study OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art depicting the Humerus Label Challenge quiz for high school anatomy students.

This quiz lets you practice labeling the humerus and its key landmarks with 20 quick questions. See your score instantly, review the items you missed, and build skills with a humerus landmarks quiz or broaden your knowledge with the skeletal system labeling quiz. If you are studying nearby structures, try the forearm muscles quiz.

Which bone is known as the upper arm bone?
Radius
Ulna
Humerus
Scapula
The humerus is the long bone in the upper arm connecting the shoulder to the elbow. It is a fundamental bone and a key focus in studies of human anatomy.
Which part of the humerus articulates with the scapula to form the shoulder joint?
Greater Tubercle
Head
Deltoid Tuberosity
Surgical Neck
The head of the humerus fits into the glenoid cavity of the scapula, forming a ball-and-socket joint. This articulation is essential for the wide range of movements at the shoulder.
Where on the humerus is the deltoid tuberosity located?
On the medial side
At the proximal end
At the distal end
On the lateral side of the shaft
The deltoid tuberosity is situated on the lateral aspect of the humeral shaft. This landmark is crucial as it serves as the attachment site for the deltoid muscle, which aids in arm abduction.
Which feature of the proximal humerus provides an attachment for several rotator cuff muscles?
Deltoid Tuberosity
Capitulum
Greater Tubercle
Surgical Neck
The greater tubercle is a prominent bony projection on the proximal humerus and is the attachment point for muscles such as the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor. It plays a vital role in the function and stability of the shoulder.
Fractures in which region of the humerus are most common among older adults due to its thin bone structure?
Anatomical Neck
Deltoid Tuberosity
Lesser Tubercle
Surgical Neck
The surgical neck of the humerus is especially prone to fractures because of its slender structure. This vulnerability is commonly seen in older adults with reduced bone density.
What distinguishes the anatomical neck from the surgical neck of the humerus?
The anatomical neck is located at the distal end of the humerus, whereas the surgical neck is at the proximal end.
The anatomical neck is thicker than the surgical neck.
The anatomical neck is directly beneath the head, while the surgical neck lies below the tubercles.
The anatomical neck is the site for muscle attachments, while the surgical neck houses nerves.
The anatomical neck is a narrow region immediately below the head of the humerus, and the surgical neck is positioned just below the tubercles. Recognizing these differences is important for both anatomy and clinical practice, especially in diagnosing fractures.
Where is the intertubercular (bicipital) groove located on the humerus?
Between the head and surgical neck
On the posterior surface of the shaft
Along the medial epicondyle
Between the greater and lesser tubercles
The intertubercular groove, also known as the bicipital groove, lies between the greater and lesser tubercles of the humerus. It serves as a passageway for the tendon of the long head of the biceps brachii.
Which structure travels through the radial (spiral) groove of the humerus?
Radial nerve
Median nerve
Axillary nerve
Ulnar nerve
The radial nerve passes through the radial groove of the humerus, making it vulnerable in midshaft fractures. This knowledge is essential to understand potential complications in humeral injuries.
The humeral head articulates with which part of the scapula to form the shoulder joint?
Glenoid Cavity
Scapular Spine
Acromion
Coracoid Process
The humeral head fits into the glenoid cavity of the scapula, forming a ball-and-socket joint that allows a wide range of shoulder movements. This articulation is a key concept in understanding shoulder mechanics.
Which distal feature of the humerus articulates with the head of the radius at the elbow?
Trochlea
Capitulum
Olecranon Fossa
Medial Epicondyle
The capitulum is a rounded structure on the lateral distal end of the humerus that articulates with the head of the radius. This joint component is essential for proper elbow movement.
A fracture of the surgical neck of the humerus commonly injures which nerve?
Axillary Nerve
Ulnar Nerve
Median Nerve
Radial Nerve
The axillary nerve runs close to the surgical neck of the humerus, rendering it susceptible to injury when fractures occur in that region. Damage to this nerve can result in loss of shoulder function and sensory deficits.
Which rotator cuff muscle attaches to the lesser tubercle of the humerus?
Infraspinatus
Supraspinatus
Teres Minor
Subscapularis
The subscapularis muscle attaches to the lesser tubercle of the humerus and is responsible for internal rotation of the shoulder. This attachment is a key element in the overall function of the rotator cuff.
On which surface of the humeral shaft is the deltoid tuberosity located?
Medial Surface
Anterior Surface
Lateral Surface
Posterior Surface
The deltoid tuberosity is found on the lateral surface of the humeral shaft, serving as the attachment site for the deltoid muscle. Its location is vital for the muscle's role in lifting the arm.
The lateral lip of the bicipital groove on the humerus serves as the attachment point for which muscle?
Pectoralis Major
Triceps Brachii
Latissimus Dorsi
Biceps Brachii
The lateral lip of the bicipital groove is the insertion point for the pectoralis major muscle. This anatomical detail is important for understanding the mechanics of the shoulder and upper arm.
Which feature at the distal end of the humerus is closely associated with the passage of the ulnar nerve?
Olecranon Process
Lateral Epicondyle
Capitulum
Medial Epicondyle
The medial epicondyle is a key landmark at the distal humerus, with the ulnar nerve running in its vicinity. This relationship is often implicated in clinical conditions involving nerve compression or injury.
How does the spherical shape of the humeral head contribute to shoulder mobility?
It supports only rotational movements without translation.
It provides a stable yet flexible articulation with the glenoid cavity.
It limits movement to only linear motion.
It restricts the range of motion to a single plane.
The rounded, spherical shape of the humeral head allows it to articulate smoothly with the glenoid cavity, balancing stability with a wide range of motion. This design is essential for complex shoulder movements in multiple planes.
A fracture in the midshaft of the humerus may compromise which nerve, potentially leading to wrist drop?
Radial Nerve
Axillary Nerve
Median Nerve
Ulnar Nerve
The radial nerve runs along the midshaft of the humerus within the radial (spiral) groove, making it vulnerable during fractures. Injury to this nerve can lead to wrist drop, characterized by difficulty in extending the wrist and fingers.
Why is the deltoid tuberosity clinically significant in understanding muscle function of the arm?
It serves as a bony landmark for the insertion of the deltoid muscle, crucial for arm abduction.
It is where the biceps brachii originates.
It supports the attachment of the rotator cuff muscles.
It is the attachment site for the pectoralis minor.
The deltoid tuberosity is the anchoring point for the deltoid muscle, which is essential for abducting the arm. Its prominence aids clinicians in assessing muscle function and planning surgical interventions.
In imaging studies, distinguishing between the anatomical and surgical neck of the humerus is crucial because fractures at the surgical neck are more likely to damage which structure?
Axillary Nerve
Median Nerve
Ulnar Nerve
Radial Nerve
The surgical neck of the humerus is often the site of fractures that can endanger the adjacent axillary nerve. Recognizing this risk is important for both diagnosis and the planning of appropriate medical interventions.
During shoulder arthroplasty, preserving which anatomical landmark is most crucial to ensure proper joint function and range of motion?
Humeral Head
Lesser Tubercle
Deltoid Tuberosity
Medial Epicondyle
The humeral head is the primary component that articulates with the glenoid cavity, so its proper alignment is essential during shoulder arthroplasty. Preserving its orientation is critical for maintaining joint mechanics and ensuring an optimal range of motion post-surgery.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand the basic structure and function of the humerus.
  2. Identify key anatomical landmarks on the humerus.
  3. Apply anatomical terminology to accurately label the humerus.
  4. Analyze the relationship between humerus structure and its biological functions.
  5. Assess anatomical knowledge to prepare for exams in biology and anatomy.

Humerus Bone Quiz & Anatomy Review Cheat Sheet

  1. Proximal Humerus Landmarks - Get friendly with the head, anatomical and surgical necks, plus the greater & lesser tubercles and the intertubercular sulcus. These bumps and grooves are hotspot real estate for muscle tendons and joint connections. Feeling these features under the microscope will help you nail muscle attachments and shoulder mechanics.
  2. Muscle Attachments on Tubercles - The greater tubercle hosts supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor, while the lesser tubercle is home to subscapularis. Use the mnemonic "Sally and Ingrid Teach Maths" to lock this in your memory. Knowing these insertions is key to understanding shoulder rotation and stability.
  3. Shaft Features - Remember the deltoid tuberosity on the lateral side and the radial (spiral) groove on the posterior shaft. The deltoid attaches here, and the radial nerve curves through that groove like a secret tunnel. Mapping these will help you predict muscle actions and potential nerve entrapment.
  4. Distal Humerus Landmarks - Spot the medial and lateral epicondyles, trochlea, capitulum, plus the olecranon, coronoid, and radial fossae. These structures form the doorways and hinges of the elbow joint that let your arm flex, extend, and rotate. Mastering these shapes is like having a VIP pass to elbow mechanics.
  5. Humeral Articulations - At the top, the humerus high-fives the scapula at the glenohumeral joint; at the bottom, it mingles with the radius and ulna at the elbow. These three-way connections give you the superpowers of lifting, throwing, and typing. Visualizing them helps you see how each movement flows through the arm.
  6. Common Fracture Sites - Watch out for surgical neck breaks (axillary nerve victim), mid-shaft slices (radial nerve at risk), and supracondylar snaps (brachial artery alert!). Each break style can bring different complications to the party. Recognizing these helps you troubleshoot injuries like a pro.
  7. Ossification Timeline - The humerus starts ossifying early in the shaft during embryonic life, sprouting secondary centers in the head and epicondyles before finishing around age 17. These growth plates are like construction checkpoints on your bones. Knowing them helps you interpret pediatric x‑rays and growth issues.
  8. Blood Supply - The anterior and posterior circumflex humeral arteries hug the proximal humerus while the profunda brachii supplies the shaft. This vascular highway is vital for bone health and fracture healing. Mapping these vessels will be your secret to understanding recovery timelines.
  9. Nerve Relationships - The axillary nerve sneaks around the surgical neck, the radial nerve boogies along the spiral groove, and the ulnar nerve camps out by the medial epicondyle. These close quarters mean a small bump can lead to big symptoms. Spotting these paths is essential for diagnosing nerve palsies.
  10. Labeling & Quiz Practice - Grab diagrams and quizzes to label every bump, groove, and corner until you dream humerus. Active recall through quizzes boosts your memory far more than passive reading. Put an interactive twist on studying to lock in every detail before exam day.
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