The part where your arm bends is called the elbow.
The elbow is a crucial joint in your arm, allowing for a wide range of motion and enabling you to perform everyday tasks like lifting, reaching, and manipulating objects. It's a complex joint formed by the connection of three bones:
- Humerus: The bone of the upper arm.
- Radius: One of the two bones in the forearm, located on the thumb side.
- Ulna: The other bone in the forearm, located on the pinky side.
The elbow joint is technically a modified hinge joint, primarily allowing for flexion (bending) and extension (straightening) of the arm. The interaction between the radius and ulna also contributes to pronation (rotating the palm downwards) and supination (rotating the palm upwards) of the forearm. The complexity of the elbow joint makes it susceptible to various injuries, such as sprains, strains, and dislocations. Understanding the anatomy and function of the elbow can help in preventing injuries and maintaining optimal arm function.
