Bicipital Groove

Description

Overview of bicipital groove anatomy

Showing length, width and depth of bicipital groove

PA radiograph of the shoulder labeled. The intertubercular groove is marked on the right

Name

• Bicipital Groove
• Intertubercular groove
• Sulcus intertubercularis

General

• Deep groove on the humerus which separates the greater and lesser tubercle
• Allows for the long tendon of biceps brachii muscle to pass

Gross Anatomy

• Separates the greater and lesser tubercle
• Approximately 8 cm long, 1 cm wide, 4-6 mm deep in adults
• Lodges the long tendon of biceps brachii
• Located between tendon of pectoralis major laterally and tendon of teres major medially
• Transmits a branch of the anterior humeral circumflex artery to the shoulder joint

Function

• Allows the long head of the biceps tendon to pass

Muscle Attachments

• Pectoralis Major: lateral lip (crest of the greater tubercle)
• Latissimus Dorsi: floor
• Teres Major: medial lip (crest of the lesser tubercle)

Boundaries

• Superiorly: transverse humeral ligament
• Laterally: greater tubercle
• Medially: lesser tubercle

---

Clinical Significance

Pathology

• Long head of biceps tendon dislocation
• Pectoralis major tear
• Latissimus dorsi tear

Procedural

• Biceps Tendon Sheath Injection

---

See Also

• Shoulder Pain Main
• Shoulder Anatomy Main
• Physical Exam Shoulder

---