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MSK > 8 - Anatomy of the Forearm > Flashcards

8 - Anatomy of the Forearm Flashcards

1
Q

Where is the forearm?

A

Between the elbow and the wrist

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2
Q

How can you describe which side of the forearm you are looking at?

A

Using the terms radial and ulnar sides (not proximal and lateral as these are easily confused with movement).

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3
Q
A
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4
Q

Which end of the radius articulates with the elbow?

A

The proximal end

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5
Q

Which end of the radius articulates with the wrist?

A

The distal end

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6
Q

How many radio-ulnar joints are there?

A

Two - a distal and a proximal one

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7
Q

What does the radius articulate with proxmially?

A

The lateral condyle of the humerus (capitulum)

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8
Q

What does the radius articulate with distally?

A

The scaphoid and lunate bones

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9
Q

Where is the head of the ulna?

A

At the distal (lower) end

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10
Q

What attaches to the ulna tuberosity?

A

The brachial muscle

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11
Q

What do the coronoid process and olecranon process articulate with?

A

The medial humeral condyle (trochlear)

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12
Q

Does the distal ulna articulate with the carpal bones?

A

No - it articulates with a piece of fibrocartilage.

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13
Q

What is the fibrous sheet between the radius and ulna called?

A

Interosseus membrane

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14
Q

Which spaces in the forearm allow vessels to pass through?

A

Free upper margin

Circular aperture

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15
Q

What is the function of the interosseous membrane?

A

Provides attachment for muscles

Aids transmission of forces from radius to ulna

Useful for rotation - allows the radius to rotate around the ulna

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16
Q
A
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17
Q
A
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18
Q

How many compartments of the forearm are there?

What are they?

Are they divided equally?

A

2

Anterior (Flexor) and Posterior (Extensor)

Not divided equally - some of the posterior compartment sits around the radius and extends into the anterior part of the forearm.

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19
Q

What structures form the division between the anterior and posterior compartments of the forearm?

A

Radius & ulna
Interosseous membrane
Lateral intermuscular septum
Deep fascia - posterior border of ulna

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20
Q

What is the function of the muscles in the anterior compartment of the forearm?

A

Wrist & digit flexors
Forearm pronators

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21
Q

What is the function of the muscles in the posterior compartment of the forearm?

A

Wrist and digit extensors
Forearm supinators

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22
Q

Which muscle in the forearm is found in the posterior compartment anatomically but in the anterolateral aspect of the forearm clinically?

A

Brachioradialis

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23
Q

How many layers does the anterior compartment of the forearm have? What are they?

A

Three

Superficial, intermediate & deep

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24
Q

How many muscles are found in the SUPERFICIAL LAYER of the anterior compartment of the forearm?

What are they?

A

4

Flexor Carpi Ulnaris
Palmeris Longus
Flexor Carpi Radialis
Pronator Teres

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25
Q
A
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26
Q

What is the motor innervation to the superficial anterior compartment?

A

All motor function supplied by Median nerve (C6 & C7)

EXCEPT - Flexor Carpi Ulnaris - supplied by Ulnar nerve (C7, C8 & T1)

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27
Q

What do all the muscles in the superficial anterior compartment cross and where do they all attach?

A

All cross the elbow (this means they can flex the elbow).

Attach to the medial aspect of the distal humerus (the medial epicondyle).

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28
Q

What is the medial epicondyle known as? Why?

A

The common flexor origin

Because all the muscles which attach here can flex the elbow.

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29
Q

What is the lateral epicondyle known as? Why?

A

The common extensor origin

Because all the muscles which attach here can extend the elbow.

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30
Q

What percentage of the population do not have a palmaris longus muscle?

A

10%

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31
Q

What is the latin term for wrist?

A

Carpi

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32
Q

What is the function of flexor carpi ulnaris?

A

Flexes the ulnar side of the wrist & the forearm at the elbow joint.

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33
Q

What is the function of palmaris longs?

A

Flexes the wrist

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34
Q

What is the function of flexor carpi radialis?

A

Attaches to the radial side of the wrist and flexes the wrist.

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35
Q

What is the function of Pronator Teres?

A

Pronation of the forearm - turns it from anatomical position to pronation.

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36
Q
A
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37
Q

Which muscle is found in the intermediate layer of the anterior compartment of the forearm?

A

Flexor Digitorum Superficialis

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38
Q

How many heads does Flexor Digitorum Superficialis have?
What are they?

A

Two

Humero-ulnar head
&
Radial head

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39
Q

What is there function of Flexor Digitorum Superficialis?

A

Flexes the digits

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40
Q

What does Flexor Digitorum Superficialis arise from and attach to?

A

Arises from humerus & ulna

Attaches to - middle phalanges of the digits.

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41
Q

What is the motor nerve supply to Flexor Digitorum Superficialis?

A

C8 & T1

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42
Q
A
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43
Q

What are the muscles of the deep anterior compartment of the forearm?

A

Flexor Digitorum Profundus
Flexor Pollicis Longus
Pronator Quadratus

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44
Q

What is the function of flexor digitorum profundus?

A

Flexes the distal phalanges (fingertips)

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45
Q

What is the function of flexor pollicis longus?

A

Flexes the thumb

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46
Q

What is the function of pronator quadratus?

A

Assists the pronator teres to pronate the forearm.

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47
Q

What is the motor nerve supply to the deep anterior compartment of the forearm?

A

Median (C7 & C8). except for ulnar half of FDP (Flexor Digitorum Profundus) - which is the ulnar nerve (C8 & T1).

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48
Q

Which nerve roots make up the median nerve?

A

C7 & C8

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49
Q

Which nerve roots make up the ulnar nerve?

A

C8 & T1

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50
Q

The whole anterior compartment is innervated by _________ nerve except for the muscles (?)_________. which are innervated by ___________ nerve.

A

Whole anterior compartment innervated by MEDIAN NERVE
except
FLEXOR CARPI ULNARIS & ulnar half of FLEXOR DIGITORUM PROFUNDUS
which are innervated by
ULNAR NERVE.

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51
Q
A
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52
Q

How many layers are found in the posterior compartment of the forearm?

A

Two - superficial and deep

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53
Q

How many muscles are found in the superficial layer of the posterior compartment of the forearm?

What are they called?

A

7

Brachioradialis
Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus
Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis
Extensor Digitorum
Extensor Digiti Minimi
Eyesore Carpi Ulna’s
Anconeus

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54
Q

What is the motor nerve supply to the muscles in the superficial posterior compartment of the forearm?

A

Radial nerve (C5, 6, 7 & 8)
+
Deep and posterior interosseous branches

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55
Q

What compartment does brachioradialis appear to be in visually, and which compartment is it actually in anatomically?

A

Appears to be anterior but is anatomically in the posterior compartment.

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56
Q

What is the function of brachioradialis?

A

Helps to flex the elbow.

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57
Q

What is the common extensor origin of the muscles in the superficial posterior compartment of the forearm?

A

Lateral epicondyle

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58
Q

What happens to the radial nerve in the forearm?

A

After crossing the humerus it bifurcates into deep and superficial branches

59
Q
A
60
Q

How many muscles are found in the deep layer of the posterior compartment of the forearm?

What are they called?

A

5

Supinator
Abductor Pollicis Longus
Extensor Pollicis Longus
Extensor Pollicis Brevis
Extensor Indicis

61
Q

Which is the only muscle in the deep layer of the posterior compartment of the forearm to cross the elbow?

A

Supinator

62
Q

What do the pollicis muscles form between them?

A

The anatomical snuffbox

63
Q

Which muscle in the deep posterior compartment of the forearm is closest to the radial shaft proximally that is responsible for turning the forearm from pronation to supination?

A

Supinator

64
Q

What is the function of the supinator muscle?

A

Turns the forearm from pronation to supination.

65
Q

How many pronators win the arm are there and how many supinators?

A

Two pronators
One supinator

66
Q

What is the motor nerve supply to the deep layer of the posterior compartment of the forearm?

A

Posterior interosseous nerve (C6-8)

67
Q

Which nerve roots form the posterior interosseous nerve?

A

C6-8

68
Q

What type of joint is the elbow?

A

Synovial
x2 hinge joints
x1 pivot joint

69
Q

How many articulations does the elbow comprise of?
What are they formed by?

A

3

Trochlea of humerus + trochlear notch of ulna
Capitulum of humerus + radial head
Radial + ulna joint

70
Q

What type of joint is the trochlea of humerus with the trochlear notch of the ulna?

A

Hinge

71
Q

What type of joint is the capitulum of the humerus with the radial head?

A

Hinge

72
Q

What type of joint is the proximal radio-ulnar joint?

A

Pivot

73
Q

Which joint is the main joint of the elbow?

A

Humerus and ulna joint

74
Q

What gives stability to the elbow joint?

A

Shape of articular surfaces
Strong, thick capsule
Medial and lateral collateral ligaments

75
Q

Which ligament goes from the radial head of the ulna, around the elbow joint, to join the posterior side of the ulna?

A

Anular ligament

76
Q
A
77
Q

What angle is the elbow hinge joint at when it is in
(a) Full Extension?
(b) Full Flexion?

A

Full Extension = 0 °
Full Flexion = 140 °

78
Q

Why do we have a carrying angle of the elbow - what is this angle?

A

The axis of the hinge is not aligned straight with the humerus - is at approx 170 ° - greater in F than M.

79
Q
A
80
Q

Which joints of the forearm allow proximal and distal rotation? What are these movements known as?

A

Proximal and distal radio-ulnar joints

Pronation and supination

81
Q

Which ligament supports the proximal radio-ulnar joint?

A

Anular ligament

82
Q
A
83
Q

How big is the arc through which the forearm can move through pronation and supination?

A

140 degrees

84
Q
A
85
Q

Which bones join to form the wrist?

A

The radius articulates with two carpal bones (scaphoid and lunate)

86
Q

Which bone of the forearm does not form part of the wrist joint?

A

The ulna

87
Q

What type of joint is the wrist?

A

Synovial condyloid joint

88
Q

What is found between the ulna and the hand?

Which hand bones does it articulate with?

A

Fibrocartilaginous disc

Articulates with the triquetum and lunate bones

89
Q

How much movement can the wrist do in abduction and adduction?

A

Abduction = 15 ° approx

Adduction = 45 ° approx

90
Q

What is the term for abduction of the wrist?

A

Radial deviation

91
Q

What is the term for adduction of the wrist?

A

Ulnar deviation

92
Q

Which muscles are responsible for radial deviation of the wrist?

A

Flexor carpi radialis
Extensor carpi radialis longus
Extensor carpi radialis brevis

93
Q

Which muscles are responsible for ulnar deviation of the wrist?

A

Flexor carpi ulnaris
Extensor carpi ulnaris

94
Q

What degree of movement is permitted by the flexion and extension arcs of the wrist?

A

Flexion arc = approx 80 °

Extension arc = approx 60 °

95
Q

Which muscles are responsible for flexion of the wrist?

A

Flexor carpi radialis
Flexor carpi ulnaris
Palmaris Longus

96
Q

Which muscles are responsible for extension of the wrist?

A

Extensor carpi radialis longus
Extensor carpi radialis brevis
Extensor carpi ulnaris

97
Q
A
98
Q
A
99
Q

Which artery supplies the forearm?

A

The brachial artery

100
Q

In the cubital fossa - where is the brachial artery found?

A

Medial to the biceps tendon

101
Q

What dos the brachial artery divide into?

A

Radial
Ulnar arteries

102
Q

Where is the radial artery found in the forearm?

A

In the anterior compartment
Under brachioradialis & adjacent to the superficial branch of the radial nerve

103
Q

What does the radial artery travel with in the forearm?

A

Radial nerve

104
Q

What does the radial artery pass through to enter the back of the hand?

A

Anatomical snuff box

105
Q

Which artery is the main supply to the deep palmar arch in the hand?

A

The radial artery

106
Q
A
107
Q

Where is the ulnar artery found?

A

Under Flexor Carpi Ulnaris, with the ulnar nerve on its medial side

108
Q

What travels with the ulnar artery?

A

The ulnar nerve

109
Q

What does the ulnar artery supply in the hand?

A

Is the major blood supply of medial three and 1/2 digits.

Is the main supply of the superficial palmar arch

110
Q

Which artery is the main supply to the superficial palmar arch?

A

Ulnar artery

111
Q

What branch does off the ulnar artery above the interosseous membrane?

A

The common interosseous artery

112
Q

What does the common interosseous artery bifurcate into?

Where do they go?

A

The anterior and posterior interosseous arteries

Anterior interosseous = anterior compartment of the forearm

Posterior interosseous = posterior compartment of the forearm

113
Q

What provides superficial venous drainage to the forearm?

A

Dorsal venous arch (from the hand)
Cephalic and Basilic veins

114
Q

What provides deep venous drainage to the forearm?

A

Deep veins accompany every deep artery (same names) - these drain into brachial veins which are associated with the brachial artery in the cubital fossa.

115
Q

Which veins are found in the cubital fossa?

A

Cephalic vein
Basilic vein
Median cubital vein

116
Q
A
117
Q

Which are the main nerves that supply the forearm?

A

Median
Radial
Ulnar
Superficial cutaneous

118
Q
A
119
Q

Which compartment is the median nerve found in the forearm?

A

Anterior compartment

120
Q

What are the branches of the median nerve?

A

Anterior interosseous

Palmar branch

121
Q

What innervation does the anterior interosseous supply?

A

Muscular innervation to entire anterior compartment - EXCEPT Flexor Carpi Ulnaris and the ulnar part of Flexor Digitorum Profundus

122
Q

Where does the palmar branch of the media nerve arise? What does it supply?

A

Arises proximal to flexor retinaculum

Supplies skin over the base and central palm of the hand.

123
Q

Where is the radial nerve found?

A

The posterior compartment (in the spiral groove).

124
Q

What does the radial nerve divide into?

A

The deep posterior interosseous and the superficial

125
Q

What does the deep posterior interosseous innervate?

A

Muscles in the extensor compartment

126
Q

What does the superficial radial nerve innervate?

A

Skin over the 1st dorsal web space

127
Q

What does the superficial radial nerve travel with?

A

Radial artery - along the forearm on the radial border

128
Q
A
129
Q

Where is the ulnar nerve found?

A

In the anterior compartment of the forearm

130
Q

What are the branches of the ulnar nerve?

A

Muscular and cutaneous

131
Q

What does the muscular branch of the ulnar nerve innervate?

A

Flexor carpi ulnaris
Medial half Flexor Digitorum Profundus
Deep Palmar muscles

132
Q

What does the cutaneous branch of the ulnar never supply?

A

2 branches -
Palmar = supplies the skin on medial side of the palm

Dorsal = supplies the sin on the back of the posteriomedial hand and the medial one and one 1/2 digits

133
Q
A
134
Q

The musculocutaneous nerve supplies the anterior arm muscle and then becomes what in the forearm?

A

The lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm

135
Q

Where does the medial cutaneous nerve of the forearm arise from?

A

The medial cord of the brachial plexus

136
Q

What is the name for the triangular area of transition anterior to the elbow joint which is formed by a depression between two forearm muscles?

A

The cubital fossa

137
Q
A
138
Q

What are the lateral, medial, base and floor boundaries of the cubital fossa?

A

Lateral = brachioradialis
Medial = pronator teres
Base - Imaginary line between humeral epicondyles
Floor = brachialis muscle

139
Q
A
140
Q

What is found in the cubital fossa?

A

TAN

Tendon (biceps)
Artery (brachial)
Nerve (median)

From lateral to medial (L-M)

141
Q
A
142
Q
A
143
Q

What is found superficial to the cubital fossa?

A

Lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm
Medial cutaneous nerve of the forearm
Median cubital vein
Cephalic vein
Basilic vein

MSK (21 decks)

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