It is much more frequently fractured than the anatomical neck of the humerus.

Fracture of the anatomical neck rarely occurs.

The anatomical neck (collum anatomicum) is obliquely directed, forming an obtuse angle with the body.

The anatomical neck of the humerus is an indentation distal to the head of the humerus on which the articular capsule attaches.

A humerus fracture of the surgical neck of the humerus or, less frequently, the anatomical neck of the humerus.

The greater tubercle (tuberculum majus; greater tuberosity) is situated lateral to the head and lesser tubercle, and just lateral to the anatomical neck.

A second at the lower part of the joint extends from the under edge of the glenoid cavity to the under part of the anatomical neck of the humerus.

At the upper end, the surgical neck of the humerus and anatomical neck of humerus can both be involved, though fractures of the surgical neck are more common.

The circumference of its articular surface is slightly constricted and is termed the anatomical neck, in contradistinction to a constriction below the tubercles called the surgical neck which is frequently the seat of fracture.

As well as its true anatomical neck, the constriction below the greater and lesser tubercles of the humerus is referred to as its surgical neck due to its tendency to commonly get fractured, thus often becoming the focus of surgeons.

It completely encircles the joint, being attached, above, to the circumference of the glenoid cavity beyond the glenoidal labrum; below, to the anatomical neck of the humerus, approaching nearer to the articular cartilage above than in the rest of its extent.