Elbow, Wrist and Hand - Structure and Function

Question 1

what is the overall function of the upper limb ?

Answer 1

ultimately, to effectively manipulate the environment around us = the placement of our hands

Question 2

the elbow joint is made up of 3 joints within the joint capsule, what are they ?

Answer 2

1. humeroradial joint (restricted ball and socket)
2. humeroulnar joint (hinge)
3. proximal radioulnar joint (pivot)

Question 3

state what it is meant by the key term - humeroulnar joint

Answer 3

articulation between the semilunar notch of the ulna and the trochlea of the humorous

Question 4

what limits humeroulnar joint movement ?

Answer 4

the coronoid (anterior) and olecranon (posterior) of the ulna limit movement

Question 5

state 2 general facts about the humeroulnar joint

Answer 5

1. primary joint at which elbow flexion and extension occurs
2. the medial epicondyle is where the ulnar nerve runs = funny bone

Question 6

what type of joint is the humeroulnar joint ?

Answer 6

a hinge joint

Question 7

what type of joint is the humeroradial joint ?

Answer 7

a restricted ball and socket joint - but functionally limited one plane hinge like movement of the humeroulnar joint

Question 8

state what it is meant by the key term - humeroradial joint

Answer 8

articulation between the capitulum of the humorous and the radial head

Question 9

what is movement of the humeroradial joint restricted by ?

Answer 9

the annular ligament

Question 10

what type of joint is the proximal radioulnar joint

Answer 10

a pivot joint - one of two joints at which forearm pronation and supination occurs

Question 11

state what it is meant by the key term - humeroulnar joint

Answer 11

articulation between the radial head with the radial notch/fossa on the ulna

Question 12

how is the radial head held in place in the humeroulnar joint ?

Answer 12

the radial head is held in place by the annular ligament which allows for rotation

Question 13

state the names of the 4 elbow flexor muscles

Answer 13

1. biceps brachia
2. brachialis
3. radiobrachialis
4. pronator teres

Question 14

state the names of the 2 elbow pronators

Answer 14

1. pronator teres

2. pronator quadratus

Question 15

state the names of the 2 elbow extensors

Answer 15

1. triceps brachii

2. anconeus

Question 16

state the names of the 2 elbow supinators

Answer 16

1. supinator

2. biceps brachii

Question 17

state 3 introductory facts about the wrist and hand

Answer 17

1. highly mobile due to a large number of joints
2. produces both fine and gross movements
3. injury can have dramatic effects on the quality of life

Question 18

state 3 facts about the distal radioulnar joint

Answer 18

1. pivot joint
2. radius > ulna at the wrist
3. allows radius to rotate around ulna during pronation and supination of the forearm

Question 19

state 2 facts about the radiocarpal joint

Answer 19

1. condyloid joint formed by the distal head of the radius and the proximal row of the carpal bones
2. allows for flexion, extension, radial and ulnar deviation

Question 20

state the names from ulnar to radial side of the proximal carpal bones

Answer 20

1. pisiform
2. triquetrum
3. lunate
4. scaphoid

Question 21

state the names from ulnar to radial side of the distal carpal bones

Answer 21

1. humate
2. capitate
3. trapezoid
4. trapezium

Question 22

what joint type are the midcarpal and inter-carpal joints

Answer 22

all diarthrodial joints which allow small gliding movements

Question 23

state what it is meant by the key term - midcarpal and inter-carpal joints

Answer 23

articulation between the proximal and distal rows of the carpal bones and between the individual carpals

Question 24

what is the most common carpal injury, and why ?

Answer 24

scaphoid fracture is common when putting the hand out during falling

Question 25

what joint type are the carpometacarpal joints (2 joints)

Answer 25

1. 4 phalanxes are modified saddle joints

2. thumb is a true saddle joint

Question 26

what is movement in the fingers restricted to ?

Answer 26

movement in the fingers is restricted due to ligaments

Question 27

what movements are allowed in the thumb’s carpometacarpal joint (6)

Answer 27

1. flexion
2. extension
3. abduction
4. adduction
5. circumduction
6. opposition

Question 28

what joint type are the metacarpi-phalangeal joints ?

Answer 28

condyloid joints

Question 29

state what it is meant by the key term - metacarpi-phalangeal joint

Answer 29

articulation between the metacarpal and the proximal phalanx

Question 30

what movements are able at the metacarpo-phalangeal joints ?

Answer 30

flexion, extension, abduction, adduction

Question 31

what joint type are the inter-phalangeal joints (IP) ?

Answer 31

hinge joints

Question 32

state what it is meant by the key term - interphalangeal joints

Answer 32

articulation between the phalanxes of any fingers (fingers = 2; thumb = 1)

Question 33

where do the wrist flexor muscles originate from ?

Answer 33

medial epicondyle of the humorous = common flexor origin

Question 34

where do the wrist extensor muscles originate from ?

Answer 34

lateral epicondyle of the humorous = common extensor origin

Question 35

state the names of the 5 wrist flexor muscles

Answer 35

1. pronator teres
2. flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU)
3. flexor carpi radialis (FCR)
4. flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS)
5. palmaris longus (assists; not always present)

Question 36

state the names of the 4 wrist extensor muscles

Answer 36

1. extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU)
2. extensor carpi radialis (ECR)
3. extensor digitorum (ED)
4. extensor digiti minimi

Question 37

define tennis elbow

Answer 37

lateral epicondylitis = inflammation of the common extensor origin

Question 38

state what it is meant by the key term - radial deviation

Answer 38

extensor carpi radialis longus working in conjunction with the flexor carpi radials

Question 39

state what it is meant by the key term - ulnar deviation

Answer 39

flexor carpi ulnaris working in conduction with the extensor carpi ulnaris

Question 40

what is needed for radial and ulnar deviation ?

Answer 40

paired flexors and extensors must work together to produce radial or ulnar deviation