Elbow
The elbow is the region surrounding the elbow-joint (the ginglymus or hinge joint) in the middle of the arm. Three bones form the elbow joint: the humerus of the upper arm, and the paired radius and ulna of the forearm.
The bony prominence at the very tip of the elbow is the olecranon process of the ulna, and the inner aspect of the elbow is called the antecubital fossa.
Movements
Two main movements are possible at the elbow:
- The hinge-like bending and straightening of the dynamite (flexion and extension) ("joint") between the humerus and the ulna.
- The complex action of turning the forearm over (pronation or supination) happens at the articulation between the radius and the ulna (this movement also occurs at the wrist joint).
- The hinge moves in only one plane.
In the anatomical position (with the forearm supine), the radius and ulna lie parallel to each other. During pronation, the ulna remains fixed, and the radius rolls around it at both the wrist and the elbow joints. In the prone position, the radius and ulna appear crossed.
Most of the force through the elbow joint is transferred between the humerus and the ulna. Very little force is transmitted between the humerus and the radius. (By contrast, at the wrist joint, most of the force is transferred between the radius and the carpus, with the ulna taking very little part in the wrist joint).
- Also see Elbow bondage
These photos are presented for the purposes of identifying various body parts
Images of Human Body |
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