The forearm contains two bones: the radius and the ulna.
The ulna is located on the pinky finger side of your forearm, while the radius is on the thumb side. These two bones work together to allow for a wide range of motion in the wrist and hand, including pronation (rotating your palm downwards) and supination (rotating your palm upwards).
Understanding the Forearm Bones
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Ulna: This is the longer of the two forearm bones. It plays a crucial role in stabilizing the forearm and contributes significantly to wrist and hand movements. Source: my.clevelandclinic.org
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Radius: The radius is positioned laterally (on the thumb side). Its unique structure and articulation with the ulna facilitate the rotational movements of the forearm. Source: Britannica
Many sources confirm this basic anatomy. For example, the Mayo Clinic states that the arm comprises three bones: the humerus (upper arm bone), the radius, and the ulna. Source: Mayo Clinic The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) also emphasizes the presence of both radius and ulna in the forearm, noting that fractures often involve both bones. Source: AAOS Johns Hopkins Medicine similarly confirms that the forearm is composed of these two bones. Source: Johns Hopkins Medicine
In summary, the radius and ulna are essential for the complex movements of the hand and wrist. Understanding their individual roles and their interaction is crucial in understanding forearm function and injury.
