You can move your elbow in four primary ways, involving two main joint actions at the elbow itself and two more related to the forearm.
Elbow Joint Movements
The elbow joint primarily allows for:
- Flexion: Bending your arm at the elbow, bringing your forearm towards your upper arm.
- Extension: Straightening your arm at the elbow, moving your forearm away from your upper arm.
Forearm Movements (Involving the Elbow)
While the elbow joint doesn't directly control these movements, they are closely associated and essential for arm function:
- Pronation: Rotating your forearm so your palm faces downwards. This movement happens at the radioulnar joint, but its function is deeply intertwined with elbow usage.
- Supination: Rotating your forearm so your palm faces upwards. Again, this is at the radioulnar joint, but essential for coordinated arm movements.
In summary, while flexion and extension occur at the elbow joint, pronation and supination are related to elbow function and overall arm movement. All four are considered ways in which you can "move your elbow" in a functional sense.
