humerus – the bone between the shoulder and elbow, under the bicep

To remember the meaning of humerus, use the following mnemonic:

They found it humorous (humerus) that my biceps were so enormous. 

The humerus is the longest and strongest bone in the upper arm, extending from the shoulder to the elbow joint, and it plays a crucial role in arm movement and support. This bone articulates with the scapula (shoulder blade) at the shoulder joint through a ball and socket connection at its rounded upper end called the head of the humerus, allowing for a wide range of arm movements including rotation, flexion, and extension. At its lower end, the humerus connects to both the radius and ulna bones of the forearm at the elbow joint, forming a hinge joint, that permits bending and straightening of the arm.

The humerus serves as an important attachment site for numerous muscles that control arm and shoulder movement, including the biceps and triceps muscles that enable flexion and extension of the forearm, and the deltoid muscle that lifts the arm away from the body. Therefore, it is essential for actions such as lifting and throwing.