Starting at the coracoid process and moving laterally, which sequence of structures is palpated?

Starting at the coracoid process and moving laterally, which sequence of structures is palpated?

• A. Lesser tuberosity, biceps tendon, greater tuberosity
• B. Greater tuberosity, biceps tendon, lesser tuberosity
• C. Lesser tuberosity, coracobrachialis tendon, greater tuberosity
• D. Greater tuberosity, coracobrachialis tendon, lesser tuberosity

Answer: (A)

From the coracoid and moving laterally across the proximal humerus, you encounter the anatomical landmarks in a predictable order that follows how they sit on the bone. The lesser tuberosity is the first prominent medial bump you’d feel on the anterior aspect of the proximal humerus. As you continue laterally, you come to the intertubercular (bicipital) groove, where the long head of the biceps tendon sits as a distinct tendon within that groove. Continue a bit farther laterally to reach the greater tuberosity, a larger lateral prominence where the rotator cuff tendons insert. So the palpable sequence is lesser tuberosity, then the biceps tendon in the intertubercular groove, then the greater tuberosity. The other sequences place structures in locations that don’t align with their actual anatomical arrangement on the proximal humerus.

From the coracoid and moving laterally across the proximal humerus, you encounter the anatomical landmarks in a predictable order that follows how they sit on the bone. The lesser tuberosity is the first prominent medial bump you’d feel on the anterior aspect of the proximal humerus. As you continue laterally, you come to the intertubercular (bicipital) groove, where the long head of the biceps tendon sits as a distinct tendon within that groove. Continue a bit farther laterally to reach the greater tuberosity, a larger lateral prominence where the rotator cuff tendons insert. So the palpable sequence is lesser tuberosity, then the biceps tendon in the intertubercular groove, then the greater tuberosity. The other sequences place structures in locations that don’t align with their actual anatomical arrangement on the proximal humerus.