page_title: Humerus
section_title: Distal humerus
hierarchical_section_title: Humerus / Structure / Parts of the humerus / Distal humerus
caption_attribution_description: English: The Radial fossa is located laterally on the anterior surface of the distal forearm and this part receives the head of the radius during maximum flexion of the elbow.
context_page_description: The humerus is a long bone in the arm that runs from the shoulder to the elbow. It connects the scapula and the two bones of the lower arm, the radius and ulna, and consists of three sections. The humeral upper extremity consists of a rounded head, a narrow neck, and two short processes. The body is cylindrical in its upper portion, and more prismatic below. The lower extremity consists of 2 epicondyles, 2 processes, and 3 fossae. As well as its true anatomical neck, the constriction below the greater and lesser tubercles of the humerus is referred to as its surgical neck due to its tendency to fracture, thus often becoming the focus of surgeons.
context_section_description: Olecranon fossa is the posterior hollow part on the distal humerus which accommodates the olecranon process of the ulna during extension of the elbow.
  The coronoid fossa is the medial hollow part on the anterior surface of the distal humerus. The coronoid fossa is smaller than the olecranon fossa and receives the coronoid process of the ulna during maximum flexion of the elbow.
  The Radial fossa is located laterally on the anterior surface of the distal forearm and this part receives the head of the radius during maximum flexion of the elbow.
  The Capitulum is a rounded eminence forming the lateral part of the distal humerus. The head of the radius articulates with the capitulum.
  The trochlea is spool-shaped medial portion of the distal humerus and articulates with the ulna.
  The lateral epicondyle is the non-articular lateral bulge of bone located superior and lateral to the capitulum. The radial collateral ligament attaches to the lateral epicondyle. The common tendon of the extensor muscles of the forearm and the supinator muscle originate on the lateral collateral ligament. The Medial epicondyle is the non-articular medial bulge of bone located superior and medial to the trochlea. The medial epicondyle is more prominent than the lateral epicondyle and the ulnar collateral ligament is attached here along with the forearm flexors.
  The Medial supracondylar crest forms the sharp medial border of the distal humerus continuing superiorly from the medial epicondyle. The Lateral Supracondylar crest forms the sharp lateral border of the distal humerus continuing superiorly from the lateral epicondyle.
caption: Radial Fossa of the Humerus
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