Your elbow is formed by the articulation of three bones: the humerus, the radius, and the ulna.
The Three Bones of the Elbow Joint
- Humerus: This is the long bone of your upper arm. Its lower end forms part of the elbow joint.
- Radius: This is one of the two bones in your forearm, located on the thumb side.
- Ulna: This is the other forearm bone, located on the pinky finger side. The olecranon, or "funny bone," is part of the ulna.
These three bones work together to create the hinge-like movement of your elbow. The ends of these bones are covered with cartilage, a rubbery substance that cushions the joint and allows for smooth movement. Ligaments hold the bones together, forming the joint capsule.
The elbow joint is a complex structure, allowing for flexion (bending) and extension (straightening) of the arm. Injuries to any of these three bones can result in significant pain and impaired function.
