LESSER TUBERCLE Meaning and
Definition
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The lesser tubercle is a term used in human anatomy to refer to a specific anatomical structure found in the upper extremity of the humerus bone. It is a small, rounded projection that emerges from the front and towards the inner side of the bone.
Located on the anterior surface of the proximal end of the humerus bone, just below the anatomical neck, the lesser tubercle is one of the two tubercles that contribute to the formation of the rotator cuff of the shoulder joint. The other tubercle is called the greater tubercle.
The lesser tubercle can be palpated from the anterior portion of the shoulder, specifically when the arm is internally rotated. This projection serves as an attachment site for the subscapularis muscle, which is part of the rotator cuff, and it also provides additional attachment surfaces for other muscles and ligaments of the shoulder region.
Understanding the anatomy and location of the lesser tubercle is crucial in clinical scenarios, particularly during the assessment of shoulder joint stability, identification of specific pathologies affecting the rotator cuff, and when performing surgical interventions in the shoulder region.
In summary, the lesser tubercle is a small, rounded projection on the anterior surface of the proximal end of the humerus bone. It plays a significant role in shoulder joint stability and serves as an attachment site for the subscapularis muscle, contributing to the formation of the rotator cuff.
Etymology of LESSER TUBERCLE
The word "lesser tubercle" has its etymology in Latin and English.
The term "tubercle" comes from the Latin word "tuberculum", which means a small swell or knob. In anatomy, a tubercle refers to a small, rounded projection or protuberance on a bone.
The word "lesser" is derived from the Old English word "lassa" or "lesse", meaning smaller or inferior in size. It is used in anatomy to differentiate between two similar structures, one being larger or more prominent than the other.
Therefore, the etymology of "lesser tubercle" can be understood as the combination of the Latin word "tuberculum", referring to a small projection on a bone, and the Old English word "lesser", indicating that it is a smaller or inferior tubercle compared to another related structure.
