What is the Difference Between Femur and Humerus?

The femur and humerus are both long bones in the human skeleton, but they serve different functions and have distinct characteristics:

• Location: The femur is the long bone in the upper leg, while the humerus is the long bone in the upper arm.
• Size and Length: The femur is the largest and strongest bone in the human body, with an average length of 16 inches. In contrast, the humerus is the second-largest bone, with an average length of 12 inches.
• Anatomical Structure: The head of the humerus is almost hemispherical, while the head of the femur forms about two-thirds of a sphere. The neck of the femur is distinct and runs from the head to meet the shaft at an angle of about 125°, while the anatomical neck of the humerus is only a slight constriction.
• Articulation: The upper extremity of the femur articulates with the pelvic bone, while its lower extremity articulates with the knee joint. In contrast, the upper extremity of the humerus articulates with the pectoral girdle, and its lower extremity articulates with the elbow joint.

In summary, the femur and humerus are both long bones in the human skeleton, but they differ in size, strength, and structure to support the distinct functions they serve in the upper leg and upper arm, respectively.

Comparative Table: Femur vs Humerus

The femur and humerus are two long bones in the human skeleton that play crucial roles in supporting movements. They have some similarities, but there are key differences between them as well. Here is a table comparing the differences between the femur and humerus:

Both the femur and humerus are long bones that are essential for movement and support in the human body. They share some common features, such as having three main parts: the proximal part, the shaft, and the distal part. However, they have distinct structures and functions that adapt them to their specific roles in the skeletal system.