The humerus bone primarily helps your arm move, flex, and rotate. In addition to arm movement, it also holds muscles in place and stabilizes the elbow and hand.
Functions of the Humerus
The humerus, the long bone in your upper arm, plays a vital role in upper limb function. Here's a more detailed breakdown of its functions:
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Facilitates Arm Movement: The humerus serves as a point of attachment for numerous muscles responsible for a wide range of arm movements, including:
- Flexion: Bending the elbow, like when lifting a weight.
- Extension: Straightening the elbow.
- Abduction: Raising the arm away from the body.
- Adduction: Lowering the arm towards the body.
- Rotation: Rotating the arm internally and externally.
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Muscle Attachment Site: The humerus provides a large surface area for the attachment of approximately 13 muscles. These muscles originate from the shoulder, chest, and back, and their tendons attach to various points along the humerus, allowing for precise control of arm movements. Examples of muscles that attach to the humerus include the deltoid, biceps brachii, triceps brachii, and rotator cuff muscles.
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Stabilization: The humerus contributes significantly to the stability of the arm, particularly the elbow and hand. It acts as a structural support, connecting the shoulder joint to the elbow joint. This connection helps maintain proper alignment and prevents excessive movement or dislocation.
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Structural Support: It connects the shoulder to the elbow and hand and provides structure.
In summary, the humerus is essential for arm movement, muscle attachment, and stabilization of the upper limb, contributing to a wide range of activities.
