What is the Elbow Joint Called?
The elbow joint is called a hinge joint. More specifically, it's a synovial hinge joint, a type of freely movable joint. This means it allows for bending and straightening movements. The elbow actually comprises multiple articulations working together: primarily between the distal humerus (upper arm bone) and the proximal ulna (forearm bone), but also involving the proximal radius (another forearm bone) and both the humerus and the ulna.
The elbow joint's structure is complex, involving three bones:
- Humerus: The long bone of the upper arm.
- Ulna: The larger bone of the forearm, located on the pinky finger side.
- Radius: The smaller bone of the forearm, located on the thumb side.
These bones connect to form a hinge-like structure, enabling the flexion and extension movements essential for everyday activities like lifting, writing, and eating. Ligaments, such as the annular ligament which stabilizes the radial head against the ulna, provide stability to the joint. Tendons also connect muscles to bones within the elbow, facilitating the range of motion.
The joint is classified as a synovial joint, meaning it's lubricated by synovial fluid to reduce friction and enhance smooth movement. This synovial fluid is contained within a joint capsule that surrounds the articulating surfaces of the bones.
Several sources confirm this classification:
- “[The elbow is a synovial hinge joint…](Reference Source 1)”
- “[The elbow joint is a hinge type of synovial joint…](Reference Source 4)”
- “[The elbow is classed as a hinge-type synovial joint.](Reference Source 10)”
- “[The elbow joint is a hinge joint between the arm and the forearm…](Reference Source 6)”
Practical Insights
Understanding the elbow joint's anatomy is crucial for diagnosing and treating injuries. Conditions such as tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, and fractures often affect this complex joint. Elbow replacement surgery (elbow arthroplasty) is sometimes necessary to restore function in severely damaged joints.
