In a shoulder girdle radiograph, which anatomy is labeled B?

• A. Surgical neck
• B. Glenoid fossa
• C. Anatomic neck
• D. Greater tubercle

Answer: (D)

The structure labeled is the greater tubercle of the humerus. On a shoulder radiograph, this is the prominent lateral bump on the proximal humerus that often stands out as a distinct projection near the shoulder joint. It serves as the attachment for rotator cuff muscles and helps you orient the proximal humerus relative to the glenoid cavity.

The other nearby landmarks sit in different positions: the glenoid fossa is part of the scapula and forms the socket for the humeral head, not a prominent lateral bump; the anatomic neck surrounds the head just beneath it; the surgical neck lies below the tubercles and is typically a narrower region.