The Elbow

Question 1

Describe the location of the ulna

Answer 1

Medial to the forearm

Question 2

Describe the structure and role of the ulna

Answer 2

Large at the proximal end and thin at distal end, large proximal end allows it to hook onto the humerus. The ulna acts as the stabilising bone of the forearm

Question 3

Describe the location of the radius

Answer 3

Lateral to the forearm

Question 4

Describe the role of the radius

Answer 4

It’s the mobile bone of the forearm (allows supination and pronation)

Question 5

What is the olecranon?

Answer 5

It’s at the top of the ulna (where it hooks over the humerus) and this is felt as the spherical-like bone of the elbow.

Question 6

What is the olecranon fossa and what is its function?

Answer 6

This is the dent in which the ulna fits into the humerus and therefore it prevents hyperextension as the ulna can only fit into this fossa to a certain extent, preventing further extension.

Question 7

Name the main 8 structures of the elbow

Answer 7

coronoid process, trochlear, capitulum, lateral epicondyle, medial epicondyle, radius, ulna, humerus

Question 8

What are the condyles of the elbow joint?

Answer 8

Trochlear (medial) and capitulum (lateral)

Question 9

What are the two epicondyles of the elbow?

Answer 9

Lateral and medial epicondyles

Question 10

Describe the function of the medial epicondyle

Answer 10

provides the common attachment point for the forearm flexors, it is bigger than the lateral epicondyle and is known as the funny bone

Question 11

Describe the function of the lateral epicondyle

Answer 11

The lateral epicondyle acts as the common attachment for the forearm extensors (wrist and digit extensors)

Question 12

What fossa does the elbow joint have?

Answer 12

2 anterior fossa - the radial and coronoid fossa

1 posterior fossa - olecranon fossa

Question 13

How many bursa are there in the elbow?

Answer 13

3 olecranon bursa

Question 14

Name the bursae of the elbow

Answer 14

Intratendinous olecranon bursa, subtendinous olecranon bursa and subcutaneous olecranon bursa

Question 15

How does the carrying angle differ between genders?

Answer 15

Women have a greater carrying angle than men

Question 16

How many different joints does the elbow consist of?

Answer 16

Three joints which all share the same articular capsule

Question 17

Name the three different joints of the elbow.

Answer 17

Humero-ulnar joint, humero-radial joint, proximal radio-ulnar joint

Question 18

Describe the humero-ulnar joint

Answer 18

Trochlea of humerus articulates with the trochlear notch of the ulna to facilitate flexion and extension, and this is a proper hinge joint

Question 19

Describe the humero-radial joint

Answer 19

the capitulum (dome-shaped) of the humerus articulates with the head of the radius to assist with flexion as it allows the ulna to have a greater range of movement

Question 20

Describe the proximal radio-ulnar joint

Answer 20

This is the joint between the radius and ulna which allows supination and pronation of the elbow

Question 21

What type of joints does the elbow joint consist of?

Answer 21

Synovial joints

Question 22

Name the chief muscles that flex the elbow?

Answer 22

brachialis (always active in flexion), biceps brachii (most used when already flexed 90 degrees) and brachioradialis

Question 23

Name the chief muscles that extend the elbow?

Answer 23

triceps brachii (and anconeus)

Question 24

Name the chief muscles that supinate at the elbow?

Answer 24

biceps brachii and supinator muscles

Question 25

Name the chief muscles that pronate at the elbow?

Answer 25

pronator teres (at the elbow) and pronator quadratus (at the wrist)

Question 26

Where do the chief elbow flexors attach to the elbow joint?

Answer 26

At the radius

Question 27

Why is biceps brachii known as the ‘party muscle’?

Answer 27

Allows turning of cork screw (supination) and to drink the wine (flexion)

Question 28

Name the three ligaments of the elbow

Answer 28

Lateral collateral, medial collateral and annular ligament

Question 29

Describe the function of the medial and lateral collateral ligaments

Answer 29

Lateral (radial) and medial (ulnar) collateral ligaments help to support the elbow

Question 30

Describe the location and function of the annular ligament

Answer 30

Comes around the head of the radius and holds the flat top of the radius to the ulnar bone, and therefore allows rotation of the radio over the ulnar (pronation and supination)

Question 31

What’s the location and function of the interosseous membrane?

Answer 31

This is a fibrous membrane that separated the anterior and posterior compartments of the arm and tethers the radius and ulnar together to prevent them from moving apart. In pronation the membrane folds up to allow the rotation of the radius over the ulnar.

Question 32

Where does the neurovascular supply travel through in the elbow?

Answer 32

Cubital fossa

Question 33

Where is the ulnar nerve located?

Answer 33

Just beneath the medial epicondyle

Question 34

What is the radial nerve important for?

Answer 34

Movement of the hand