The bending and straightening of the elbow is facilitated by muscles and tendons working together across the elbow joint.
The Mechanics of Elbow Movement
The elbow's range of motion, from fully extended to fully flexed, is achieved through the coordinated contraction and relaxation of specific muscles. Tendons, strong connective tissues, play a crucial role in attaching these muscles to the bones around the elbow.
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Bending (Flexion): The primary muscle responsible for bending the elbow is the biceps brachii. The biceps tendon attaches the biceps muscle to the radius bone, allowing the elbow to bend. When the biceps contracts, it pulls on the radius, causing the elbow to flex.
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Straightening (Extension): The triceps brachii muscle is responsible for straightening the elbow. The triceps tendon attaches the triceps muscle to the ulna bone, allowing the elbow to straighten. When the triceps contracts, it pulls on the ulna, causing the elbow to extend.
| Action | Muscle Involved | Tendon Involved | Bone Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bending | Biceps Brachii | Biceps Tendon | Radius |
| Straightening | Triceps Brachii | Triceps Tendon | Ulna |
