The humerus is the long bone of the upper arm that articulates with the scapula at the shoulder and the radius and ulna at the elbow. It features important attachments for major muscle groups that control arm movement and positioning. The bone's shaft and ends are specially shaped to accommodate these muscles while providing optimal leverage for lifting and manipulating objects.
The name "humerus" comes from the Latin umerus, meaning "shoulder" or "upper arm." Over time, it became associated specifically with the upper arm bone.