What is the area just below the tubercles of the humerus referred to as?

The area just below the tubercles of the humerus is referred to as the surgical neck. This anatomical location is critical because the surgical neck is a common site for fractures, especially in older individuals or in cases of trauma.

The surgical neck is found just distal to the greater and lesser tubercles, which are the prominent projections on the humerus where muscles attach. Understanding the surgical neck's position helps healthcare professionals determine the implications of humeral fractures in clinical settings, as these injuries often involve the blood supply to the surrounding structures and may require surgical intervention.

In contrast, the greater tubercle is one of the prominences on the humerus that serves as an attachment point for muscles, the medial epicondyle is associated with the elbow region and serves as a anchor point for ligaments and muscles of the forearm, and the capitulum is a part of the distal humerus that articulates with the radius at the elbow. Therefore, these other anatomical structures are not relevant to the area in question just below the tubercles.