Bones of the upper extremity

Question 1

Describe the clavicle bone’s shape/size and connection site

Answer 1

short bone that connects the bones of the trunk to the bones of the arm and is one of the most commonly fractured bones in the body

Question 2

Describe the Scapula bone’s shape, site of connection and mobility

Answer 2

flat, irregular bone connecting the clavicle to the humerus. Highly mobile

Question 3

Describe the Humerus (upper arm) bone’s shape

Answer 3

long bone, distal end referred to as the “funny bone”

Question 4

describe the basic structure of the lower arm (two bones and which side they are on)

Answer 4

• Radius: lateral side
• Ulna: medial to the radius, articulates with the humerus

Question 5

where does the ulna articulate with the radius? what else does it articulate with?

Answer 5

distally, at the wrist where it connects to the carpal bones

Question 6

how are the metacarpals numbered/named?

Answer 6

from medial to lateral based on the finger they connect with:

1st: Proximal to thumb
2nd: proximal to index
3rd: proximal to middle
4th: proximal to ring
5th: proximal to pinkie

Question 7

The phalanges are the terminal bones for the upper limb: name their three sets.

BONUS: describe which set the thumb has

Answer 7

• Proximal
• Middle
• Distal

thumb has no middle phalanx, just distal and proximal