Greater Tubercle of Humerus

Author: Dr Peter de Souza
Last modified: 13 December 2020

Greater Tubercle of Humerus

The structure indicated is the greater tubercle of the humerus.

The greater tubercle lies lateral to the head of the humerus as serves as the point of attachment for three of the rotator cuff muscles. There are three flat facets to which these three muscles attach:

  1. Superior facet
  2. Middle facet
  3. Inferior facet

The supraspinatus attaches to the superior facet.

The infraspinatus attaches to the middle facet.

The teres minor attaches to the inferior facet.

Separating the greater tubercle from the lesser tubercle is the intertubercular sulcus, also known as the bicipital groove. The long head of the biceps runs in this groove to attach to the supraglenoid tubercle.

Learn more about the anatomy of the humerus in this anatomy tutorial.