Radius Flashcards
The radius Bones
The radius is one of the two long bones in the forearm, the other being the ulna. It is located on the lateral side of the forearm (the thumb side) and consists of three main parts:
1. Proximal Epiphysis:
- Caput Radii (Head of the Radius): Articulates with the capitulum of the humerus and the radial notch of the ulna.
- Collum Radii (Neck of the Radius): The area just below the head.
- Tuberositas Radii: A roughened area for muscle attachment.
- Diaphysis: The shaft of the radius, which is cylindrical and slightly curved.
- Distal Epiphysis:
- Styloid Process: A bony prominence on the distal end of the radius.
- Circumferentia Articularis: Articulates with the carpal bones at the wrist
The radius Muscles
The radius serves as an attachment point for several muscles, primarily those involved in forearm and wrist movements:
- Flexor Muscles:
- Flexor carpi radialis
- Flexor pollicis longus
- Extensor Muscles:
- Abductor pollicis longus
- Extensor pollicis brevis
- Extensor pollicis longus
- Extensor digitorum
- Extensor indicis
- Extensor digiti minimi
The radius Joints
The radius participates in several key joints:
1. Elbow Joint (Articulatio Cubiti):
- Articulates with the humerus (humeroradial and humeroulnar joints).
- Proximal radioulnar joint allows for pronation and supination.
- Wrist Joint (Articulatio Radiocarpea):
- Articulates with the proximal row of carpal bones (except for the pisiform).
- Allows for flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction. - Distal Radioulnar Joint:
- Located at the distal ends of the radius and ulna, permitting rotation of the forearm
The radius Ligaments
Several ligaments stabilize the radius and its articulations:
- Ligamentum Anulare Radii: Encircles the head of the radius, allowing for rotation at the proximal radioulnar joint.
- Collateral Ligaments:
- Ligamentum Collaterale Radiale: Stabilizes the lateral side of the elbow.
- Ligamentum Collaterale Ulnare: Stabilizes the medial side of the elbow.
- Wrist Ligaments:
- Ligamentum Collaterale Carpi Radiale: Stabilizes the radial side of the wrist.
- Ligamentum Collaterale Carpi Ulnare: Stabilizes the ulnar side of the wrist
Blood Vessels of radius
The blood supply to the radius primarily comes from:
- Radial Artery: A branch of the brachial artery, it travels down the radial side of the forearm and supplies blood to the muscles and skin.
- Ulnar Artery: Also contributes to the blood supply of the forearm and hand.
- Arcus Palmaris: Formed by the ulnar and radial arteries, it gives rise to the digital arteries supplying the fingers.
Nerves of radius
The main nerves associated with the radius include:
- Radial Nerve: Innervates the extensor muscles of the forearm and provides sensation to the posterior aspect of the arm and forearm.
- Median Nerve: Innervates the flexor muscles on the radial side and provides sensation to the palmar side of the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger.
- Ulnar Nerve: Innervates the flexor carpi ulnaris and part of the flexor digitorum profundus, as well as the intrinsic muscles of the hand