
The humerus is the longest bone in the upper extremity and is crucial to the musculoskeletal system. It serves as an attachment point for 13 muscles, including the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor, which contribute to the coordinated actions of the upper limb. Nine muscles cross the shoulder joint to move the humerus, including the deltoid, which is the primary muscle responsible for the abduction of the arm from 15 to 90 degrees.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of muscles that cross the shoulder joint to move the humerus | 9 |
| Muscles that originate on the axial skeleton | Pectoralis major and latissimus dorsi |
| Muscles that originate on the scapula | Deltoid, subscapularis, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres major, teres minor, and coracobrachialis |
| Muscles that serve as attachment points for the humerus | Supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor |
| Number of muscles that the humerus serves as an attachment point for | 13 |
| Muscles in the superficial posterior compartment of the forearm that originate on the humerus | Extensor radialis longus, extensor carpi radialis brevis, extensor digitorum, extensor digiti minimi, and extensor carpi ulnaris |
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What You'll Learn
- The supraspinatus muscle is responsible for the initiation of arm abduction
- The deltoid is the primary muscle responsible for the abduction of the arm
- The humerus serves as an attachment to 13 muscles
- The humerus is the longest bone in the upper extremity
- The muscles in the superficial posterior compartment of the forearm originate on the humerus

The supraspinatus muscle is responsible for the initiation of arm abduction
The supraspinatus is part of the rotator cuff, a group of muscles responsible for the movement and stabilisation of the shoulder joint. It is the most frequently torn or injured muscle in the rotator cuff, which can significantly impact a person's ability to abduct their arm.
The supraspinatus is responsible for stabilising the humeral head in the glenoid fossa and controlling the motion up to the first 15 degrees of abduction. After this point, the deltoid takes over as the primary muscle responsible for the abduction of the arm from 15 to 90 degrees.
While it is commonly stated that the supraspinatus initiates abduction, there is no direct evidence to support this claim. Studies have found that the supraspinatus, deltoid, and middle trapezius are all activated prior to the commencement of the abduction movement, with no significant difference in the onset of activity between these muscles.
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The deltoid is the primary muscle responsible for the abduction of the arm
The deltoid is a large muscle that covers the shoulder joint and is divided into three heads: the anterior, middle, and posterior heads. The anterior head is responsible for flexion and medial rotation of the arm, while the middle head assists in abduction and medial rotation. The posterior head, on the other hand, is responsible for extension and lateral rotation of the arm.
Together, the three heads of the deltoid work in a coordinated manner to provide a full range of motion to the arm. They are essential for activities that require reaching overhead, such as throwing a ball or reaching for an object on a high shelf.
In addition to its role in abduction, the deltoid also serves as a stabiliser of the humeral head, especially when carrying loads. This stabilisation is crucial for maintaining proper shoulder alignment and preventing injuries. The deltoid works in conjunction with other muscles, such as the supraspinatus, which initiates the abduction movement and stabilises the humeral head in the glenoid fossa.
Overall, the deltoid muscle plays a key role in the movement and stability of the upper limb, making it an important muscle for anyone looking to improve their upper body strength and functionality.
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The humerus serves as an attachment to 13 muscles
The humerus forms the proximal articular surface, articulating with the glenoid fossa of the scapula, which facilitates a wide range of movements at the glenohumeral joint. The humerus also serves as an attachment point for several muscles, including the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor, which contribute to the coordinated actions of the upper limb.
The supraspinatus muscle originates from the supraspinous fossa of the scapula, passes under the acromion, and inserts on the superior facet of the greater tubercle of the humerus. It is responsible for initiating arm abduction by stabilising the humeral head in the glenoid fossa and controlling the motion up to the first 15 degrees of abduction. After 15 degrees, the deltoid assists with abduction up to 90 degrees. The deltoid is the primary muscle responsible for arm abduction and also serves as a stabiliser of the humeral head, especially when carrying loads.
The muscles in the superficial posterior compartment of the forearm also originate on the humerus. These include the extensor radialis longus, extensor carpi radialis brevis, extensor digitorum, extensor digiti minimi, and the extensor carpi ulnaris.
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The humerus is the longest bone in the upper extremity
The humerus has three borders and three surfaces. Its body is cylindrical in its upper portion and more prismatic below. The upper extremity consists of a rounded head, a narrow neck, and two short processes (tubercles, sometimes called tuberosities). The lower extremity consists of two epicondyles, two processes (trochlea and capitulum), and three fossae (radial fossa, coronoid fossa, and olecranon fossa).
The humerus is involved in several crucial functions within the musculoskeletal system, including articulation at the Glenohumeral Joint. The head of the humerus forms the proximal articular surface, articulating with the glenoid fossa of the scapula, facilitating a wide range of movements at the joint.
The humerus is also involved in muscle attachments and movement coordination. Nine muscles cross the shoulder joint to move the humerus, including the pectoralis major, latissimus dorsi, deltoid, subscapularis, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres major, teres minor, and coracobrachialis. The deltoid is the primary muscle responsible for the abduction of the arm from 15 to 90 degrees. The supraspinatus muscle also contributes to arm abduction by stabilizing the humeral head in the glenoid fossa.
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The muscles in the superficial posterior compartment of the forearm originate on the humerus
The humerus is the longest bone in the upper extremity and serves as an attachment point for 13 muscles, which contribute to the movement of the hand and elbow, and the function of the upper limb. Nine muscles cross the shoulder joint to move the humerus. The muscles in the superficial posterior compartment of the forearm originate on the humerus. These are the extensor radialis longus, extensor carpi radialis brevis, extensor digitorum, extensor digiti minimi, and the extensor carpi ulnaris. The muscles of the deep posterior compartment of the forearm originate on the radius and ulna.
The humerus serves several crucial functions within the musculoskeletal system, which are integral to the overall movement and stability of the upper limb. It plays a crucial role in transmitting forces generated by the muscles, acting as a bridge between the shoulder and the forearm.
The supraspinatus muscle originates from the supraspinous fossa of the scapula, passes under the acromion, and inserts on the superior facet of the greater tubercle of the humerus. It is responsible for the initiation of arm abduction by stabilising the humeral head in the glenoid fossa and is in control of the motion up to the first 15 degrees of abduction. Past 15 degrees, it assists the deltoid with the abduction of the arm up to 90 degrees. The deltoid is the primary muscle responsible for the abduction of the arm from 15 to 90 degrees. It also serves as a stabiliser of the humeral head, especially in instances of load carrying.
The trapezius is a large, superficial muscle of the back that divides into three functional parts: descending (superior), middle, and ascending (inferior). The superior fibres of the trapezius originate from the medial third of the superior nuchal line, spinous process of C7, external occipital protuberance, and nuchal ligament; they converge and insert onto the posterior portion of the lateral third of the clavicle.
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Frequently asked questions
Nine muscles cross the shoulder joint to move the humerus. The deltoid is the primary muscle responsible for the abduction of the arm from 15 to 90 degrees.
The deltoid, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, teres major, and coracobrachialis originate on the scapula. The pectoralis major and the latissimus dorsi originate on the axial skeleton.
The humerus serves as an attachment to 13 muscles which contribute to the movements of the hand and elbow, and therefore the function of the upper limb.









































