Greater tubercle
The greater tubercle of the humerus is the outward part the upper end of that bone, adjacent to the large rounded prominence of the humerus head. It provides attachment points for the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor muscles, three of the four muscles of the rotator cuff, a muscle group that stabilizes the shoulder joint. In doing so the tubercle acts as a location for the transfer of forces from the rotator cuff muscles to the humerus.
Structure
The upper surface of the greater tubercle is rounded, and marked by three flat impressions:- the highest gives insertion to the supraspinatus muscle.
- the middle gives insertion to the infraspinatus muscle.
- the lowest, and the body of the bone for about 2.5 cm, gives insertion to the teres minor muscle.
Between the greater tubercle and the lesser tubercle is the bicipital groove.
Function
All three of the muscles that attach to the greater tubercle are part of the rotator cuff, a muscle group that stabilizes the shoulder joint. The greater tubercle therefore acts as a location for the transfer of forces from the rotator cuff muscles to the humerus.The fourth muscle of the rotator cuff does not attach to the greater tubercle, but instead attaches to the lesser tubercle.