Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

MSK > Upper Limb Anatomy > Flashcards

Upper Limb Anatomy Flashcards

1
Q

What 2 bones make up the pectoral (shoulder) girdle?

A

Scapula & Clavicle

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What two bony features articulate to form the glenohumeral joint?

A

Head of the humerus and the glenoid fossa of the scapula.

Ball and socket joint

Most mobile joint in body

Loose joint capsule attached to anatomical neck of the humerus.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What 3 joints make up the pectoral girdle?

A
  1. Sternoclavicular joint
  2. Acromioclavicular joint
  3. Glenohumeral joint
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Why are clavicle fractures common?

A

The clavicle transmits all force from the upper limb to the axial skeleton.

The medial fragment is usually lifted by the sternocleidomastoid; whereas the upper limb droops under its weight

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What are the 3 movements at the sternoclavicular joint?

A
  1. Clavicle can rotate around its own longitudinal axis
  2. Clavicle can be raised up to 60 degrees
  3. Clavicle can move 30 degrees anteriorly or posteriorly during protraction and retraction of the scapula.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What are the movements of the scapula?

A

Elevation & depression, protraction & retraction, and upward/downward rotation.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Which muscles elevate the scapula?

A

Muscles w/ origins above the scapula (e.g. trapezius, levator scapulae)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Which muscles depress the scapula?

A

Muscles w/ origins below the scapula (e.g. trapezius, pectoralis minor, etc.)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What muscles protract the scapula?

A

Muscles with origins on the anterior trunk (e.g. pectoralis, serratus anterior)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What muscles retract the scapula?

A

Muscles with origins on posterior trunk (e.g. trapezius, rhomboids, latissimus dorsi, etc)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is the action of the coracoclavicular ligament?

A

Suspends the upper limb and scapula from the clavicle

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is a shoulder separation?

A

Acromioclavicular joint dislocation. Common sports injury. In type III or higher shoulder separation, the shoulder falls away from the clavicle (tear goes through the coracoclavicular ligament)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What is the range of motion at the acromioclavicular joint?

A

Medial rotation to 50 degrees

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What are the glenohumeral ligaments?

A

Thickenings of the anterior joint capsule

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What 4 muscles make up the rotator cuff?

A

Supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor and subscapularis.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What shoulder pathology is commonly caused by excessive extension and lateral rotation of the humerus?

A

Shoulder dislocation

Can also occur when a quarterback is hacked on the arm just as he’s ready to throw

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What is the most common position for the head of the humerus following shoulder dislocation?

A

Subcoracoid (due to the actions of strong flexors and abductors of the shoulder joint)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What is the proximal attachment of the subscapularis muscle?

A

Subscapular fossa of scapula

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What is the distal attachment of the subscapularis muscle?

A

Lesser tubercle of humerus

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What is the action of the subscapularis muscle?

A

Medially rotates and adducts the humerus

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What is the proximal attachment of the supraspinatus?

A

Supraspinous fossa of the scapula

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What is the distal attachment of the supraspinatous?

A

Greater tubercle of humerus

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What is the action of the supraspinatous?

A

Initiates abduction of the humerus

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What is the proximal attachment of the infraspinatus muscle?

A

Infaspinous fossa of the scapula

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

What is the distal attachment of the infraspinatus muscle?

A

Greater tubercle of the humerus

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

What is the action of the infraspinatus?

A

Laterally rotates the humerus

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

What is the proximal attachment of the teres minor muscle?

A

Lateral border of the scapula

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

What is the distal attachment of the teres minor muscle?

A

Greater tubercle of humerus

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

What is the action of the teres minor muscle?

A

Laterally rotates the humerus

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

What 3 muscles/nerves are required to abduct the arm?

A
  1. Supraspinatus (suprascapular nerve) to initiate abduction
  2. Deltoid muscle (axillary nerve) to abduct to shoulder height
  3. Trapezius muscle (accessory nerve) to above shoulder height AND by serratus anterior (long thoracic nerve)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

What is the proximal attachment of the deltoid muscle?

A

Lateral spine of the scapula, acromion, lateral clavicle

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

What is the distal attachment of the deltoid muscle?

A

Deltoid tuberosity

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

What is the action of the anterior part of the deltoid muscle?

A

Flexes and medially rotates the humerus

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

What is the action of the posterior part of the deltoid muscle?

A

Extends and laterally rotates the humerus

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

What is the action of the lateral part of the humerus?

A

Abducts the humerus to shoulder height

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

What is the action of the upper part of the trapezius muscle?

A

Elevates the scapula/squares the shoulders

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

What is the action of the lower part of the trapezius muscle?

A

Depresses the scapula

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

What is the action of the middle part of the trapezius muscle?

A

Retracts the scapula

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q

What are the actions of all 3 parts of the trapezius together?

A
  1. Upward rotation of the scapula

2. Abduction to ABOVE SHOULDER HEIGHT

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
40
Q

What is the action of the serratus anterior muscle?

A

Abduction to above shoulder height and protraction of the scapula

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
41
Q

What is the innervation of the serratus anterior?

A

Long thoracic nerve

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
42
Q

What pathology results from a long thoracic nerve lesion?

A

“Winged scapula” sign

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
43
Q

What is the action of the pectoralis major muscle?

A

Adducts and medially rotates the humerus (protracts the scapula)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
44
Q

What is the action of the clavicular head of the pectoralis major?

A

Flexes extended arm

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
45
Q

What is the action of both heads (sternal and clavicular head) of the pectoralis major muscle?

A

Extend flexed arm

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
46
Q

What is the distal attachment of the pectoralis major muscle?

A

Lateral lip of the intertubercular groove of the humerus

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
47
Q

What is the distal attachment of the latissimus dorsi muscle?

A

Floor of the intertubercular groove of the humerus

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
48
Q

What is the action of the latissimus dorsi muscle?

A

Adducts, extends, and medially rotates the humerus (retracts the scapula)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
49
Q

What is the apex of the axilla?

A

At the lateral border of the first rib, between the clavicle and the scapula

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
50
Q

What is the base of the axilla?

A

Skin and axillary fascia of the armpit

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
51
Q

What is the medial boundary of the axilla?

A

Ribs and intercostal muscles; serratus anterior muscle

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
52
Q

What is the lateral boundary of the axilla?

A

Floor of the inter tubercular groove of the humerus

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
53
Q

What is the anterior boundary of the axilla?

A

Anterior axillary fold (subclavius, pectoralis major and minor muscles)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
54
Q

What is the posterior boundary of the axilla?

A

Posterior axillary fold (scapula, subscapularis, teres major and latissiums dorsi)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
55
Q

At the lateral border of the first rib (apex of the axilla), what does the subclavian artery change its name to?

A

The axillary artery

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
56
Q

What branch is present in the first segment (medial to pectoralis minor) of the axillary artery?

A

Superior thoracic artery

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
57
Q

What 2 branches is present are present in the second segment of the axillary artery (under the pectoralis minor)?

A
  1. Thoracoacromial artery

2. Lateral thoracic artery

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
58
Q

What are the 3 branches from the third segment (lateral to the pectoralis minor) of the axillary artery?

A
  1. Anterior humeral circumflex artery
  2. Posterior humeral circumflex artery
  3. Subscapular artery
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
59
Q

What branch does the circumflex scapular artery arise from?

A

The sub scapular artery

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
60
Q

What nerve passes to the posterior scapular region?

A

Axillary nerve

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
61
Q

What arteries pass to the posterior scapular region?

A
  1. Posterior humeral circumflex artery

2. Circumflex scapular artery

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
62
Q

What ventral rami serve as the roots for the brachial plexus?

63
Q

What 2 rami form the superior trunk?

64
Q

What ramus becomes the middle trunk?

65
Q

What 2 rami merge to form the inferior trunk?

66
Q

What does each trunk in the brachial plexus bifurcate into?

A

Anterior and posterior divisions

67
Q

What compartment(s) do the 3 anterior divisions transmit axons to?

A

Anterior (flexor/pronator) compartments of arm and forearm

68
Q

What compartment(s) do the 3 posterior divisions transmit axons to

A

Posterior (extensor-supinator) muscle compartments of the arm

69
Q

When all 3 posterior divisions merge, what is formed?

A

The posterior cord

70
Q

What 2 divisions merge to form the lateral cord?

A

Anterior divisions of superior and middle trunks

71
Q

What does the anterior division of the inferior trunk change its name to?

A

The medial cord

72
Q

What are the cords named according to?

A

Their relation to the axillary artery

73
Q

What spinal level (root) does the dorsal scapular nerve arise from?

74
Q

What cord does the lateral pectoral nerve arise from?

A

Lateral cord

75
Q

What cord does the medial pectoral nerve arise from?

A

Medial cord

76
Q

What is the name of the medial condyle of the humerus?

77
Q

What is the name of the lateral condyle of the humerus?

78
Q

What are the 3 articulations in a common synovial cavity that make up the elbow joint?

A
  1. Humeroulnar articulation–> true hinge joint (flexion/extension)
  2. Humeroradial articulation–> supination/pronation
  3. Proximal radioulnar articulation–> supination/pronation
79
Q

What is the pathophysiology of subluxation/dislocation of the radial head (aka Nursemaid’s elbow)?

A

Child is jerked by upper limb. Will refuse to use limb/hold it with the elbow flexed and forearm pronated.

Source of chronic pain is the ANULAR LIGAMENT, which gets pinched between the radial head and the capitulum of the humerus when the limb is SUPINATED.

80
Q

What are the 3 muscles of the anterior compartment of the arm?

A

Coracobrachialis muscle
Biceps brachii muscle
Brachialis muscle

81
Q

What are the 2 muscles of the posterior compartment of the arm?

A

Triceps brachii

Anconeus

82
Q

What innervates the muscles of the ANTERIOR compartment of the arm?

A

Musculocutaneous nerve

83
Q

What is the action of the biceps brachii at the shoulder joint?

A

Flexion, abduction, medial rotation of the arm

84
Q

What are the actions of the biceps brachii muscles at the elbow joint?

A

Supination of the forearm/flexion of the supine forearm

85
Q

What are the actions of the CORACOBRACHIALIS MUSCLE at the SHOULDER JOINT?

A

Flexes, adducts, and medially rotates the arm

86
Q

What is the action of the BRACHIALIS muscle at the ELBOW joint?

A

Flexes the forearm

87
Q

Which nerve pierces the coracobrachilias muscle?

A

Musculocutaneous nerve

88
Q

What is the action of the muscles of the anterior compartment of the arm?

A

Flexor compartment

89
Q

What is the action of the muscles of the posterior compartment of the arm?

A

Extensor compartment

90
Q

What is the innervation of the muscles of the posterior muscles of the arm?

A

Radial nerve

91
Q

What is the proximal attachment of the long head of the biceps brachii?

A

Supraglenoid tubercle of the scapula

92
Q

What is the proximal attachment of the long head of the triceps brachii?

A

Infraglenoid tubercle

93
Q

What is the action of the long head of the triceps brachii at the shoulder joint?

A

Adduction, retroversion of the humerus, helps stabilize the glenohumeral joint

94
Q

What is the action of the triceps brachii at the elbow joint?

A

Extension of the forearm

95
Q

What is the action of the anconeus muscle?

A

Assists with extension of the forearm at the elbow joint

96
Q

What are the general functions of the anterior compartment of the forearm?

A

Flexion of forearm, wrist and digits, and pronation. (the “anti-anatomical position muscles)

97
Q

What are the muscles of the first layer (superficial layer) of the anterior forearm compartment?

A
  1. Pronator teres muscle (pronator)
  2. Flexor carpi radialis muscle (wrist flexor/hand abductor)
  3. Palmaris longus muscle (optional wrist flexor)
  4. Flexor carpi ulnaris muscle (wrist flexor/hand adductor)
98
Q

What is the common flexor tendon?

A

A common attachment for the pronator teres, palmaris longus, flexor carpi radials & ulnaris muscle to the medial epicondyle of the humerus

99
Q

What innervates the pronator teres muscle?

A

Median nerve

100
Q

What innervates the flexor carpi radialis?

A

Median nerve

101
Q

What innervates the palmaris longus (optional)?

A

Median nerve

102
Q

What innervates the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle?

A

ULNAR NERVE (EXCEPTION!!)

103
Q

What innervates the brachioradialis muscle?

A

The radial nerve

104
Q

What is the proximal attachment of the brachioradialis muscle?

A

Lateral humerus

105
Q

What is the distal attachment of the brachioradialis muscle?

A

Styloid process of the radius

106
Q

What is the action of the brachioradialis muscle?

A

Flexion of the forearm

107
Q

What can you find lateral to medial in the cubital fossa?

A
  1. Biceps Tendon
  2. Brachial Artery
  3. Median Nerve

(TAN for tendon–> artery–> nerve)

108
Q

Where can you feel the brachial artery pulse in the cubital fossa?

A

Medial to the biceps brachii tendon

109
Q

What one muscle is in the second layer of the anterior compartment of the forearm?

A

Flexor digitorum superficialis muscle (4 tendons)

110
Q

What is the action of the flexor digitorum superficialis muscle?

A

Flexes digits 2-5 at the proximal interphalangeal joints

111
Q

What innervates the flexor digitorum superficialis

A

Meidan nerve

112
Q

What 2 muscles make up the third layer of the anterior forearm compartment?

A

(L–>M) Flexor pollicus longus, Flexor digitorum profundus

113
Q

What is the action of the flexor pollicis longus muscle?

A

Flexes pollux at interphalangeal joint

114
Q

What is the innervation of the flexor pollicis longus?

A

Anterior osseous nerve (branch of median nerve)

115
Q

What is the action of the flexor digitorum profundus?

A

Radial half: flexes digits 2-3 at DIP joints

Ulnar half: Flexes digits 4-5 at DIP joints

116
Q

What is the innervation of the flexor digitorum profundus muscle?

A

Radial half: anterior interosseous nerve (branch of the median nerve)

Ulnar half: Ulnar nerve

117
Q

What muscle is in the 4th layer of the anterior forearm compartment?

A

Pronator quadratus muscle

118
Q

What is the action of the pronator quadratus?

A

Pronates the forearm

119
Q

What is the innervation of the pronator quadratus?

A

Anterior osseous nerve (branch of the Median nerve)

120
Q

What is the carpal tunnel flexor retinaculum (transverse carpal ligament)?

A

Thickened specialization of the ante brachial fascia forming the roof of the carpal tunnel

121
Q

What is the action of the palmaris brevis muscle?

A

Tenses the palmar aponeurosis (w/ the palmaris longus muscle) especially when the hand is clenched into a fist. Also, protects the ulnar artery and nerve

122
Q

What is the nerve supply to the palmaris brevis?

A

Superficial branch of the ulnar nerve

123
Q

What is the nerve and blood supply to the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles?

A

The suprascapular nerve and artery

124
Q

What passes OVER the superior transverse scapular ligament?

A

Suprascapular artery

125
Q

What passes UNDER the superior transverse scapular ligament?

A

The suprascapular nerve

126
Q

What nerve and artery run together through the quadrangular space?

A

The axillary nerve and the posterior circumflex artery

127
Q

What artery runs with the radial nerve?

A

Deep artery of the arm

128
Q

What are the general function sod the posterior compartment of the arm?

A

Extension (wrist and digits) and supination (the “anatomical position muscles”)

129
Q

What muscles make up the first layer of the posterior forearm?

A

Extensor carpi radialis longus, extensor carpi radialis brevis, extensor digitorum, extensor digiti minimi, extensor carpi ulnaris

130
Q

What 4 muscles attach to the common extensor tendon on the lateral epicondyle of the humerus?

A
  1. Extensor carpi radialis brevis
  2. Extensor digitorum
  3. extensor digiti minimi
  4. Extensor carpi ulnaris
131
Q

What is the action of the extensor carpi radialis longus, extensor carpi radialis brevis, and the extensor carpi ulnaris muscles?

A

Extension of the wrist

132
Q

What is the action of the extensor digitorum and the extensor digiti minimi?

A

Extension of the digits.

133
Q

What are the 3 outcropping muscles?

A

Abductor pollucis longus, extensor pollucis brevis, and extensor pollucis longus

134
Q

What is the clinical significance of the anatomical snuffbox?

A

Pulse point for the radial artery

135
Q

What is the name of the deep branch of the radial nerve after it pierces the supinator muscle?

A

The posterior interosseous nerve

136
Q

What forms the roof of the carpal tunnel?

A

The flexor retinaculum

137
Q

What is the palmar aponeurosis?

A

Thickened deep fascia of the palm

138
Q

What is Dupuytren’s contracture?

A

Idiopathic progressive thickening and shortening of longitudinal bands of the palmar aponeurosis especially on the medial side. Results in persistent contraction of the digits (usually 4th & 5th) at the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints.

Usually affects men > 40 yrs.
Tx = surgical resection of palmar aponeurosis

139
Q

Where does the flexor digitorum profundus insert?

A

DIP joints (splits the flexor digitorum superficialis below the PIP)

140
Q

Where does the flexor digitorum superficialis insert?

A

PIP joints

141
Q

What causes trigger finger?

A

Inflammation of the flexor tendon that causes it to get stuck behind one of the tendon sheath when flexed.

142
Q

What innervates the majority of the intrinsic muscles of the hand?

A

Ulnar nerve

143
Q

Which intrinsic muscles are NOT innervated by the ulnar nerve?

A

Lumbricals 1 and 2 and the thenar muscles which are innervated by the median nerve or branches of it

144
Q

How many dorsal interossei muscles are there and what is their action?

A

4; abduction (DAb)

1 for digit 2, 1 for digit 4 and 2 on either side of digit 3

145
Q

What is the nerve supply of the dorsal and palmar interossei muscles?

A

Deep branch of the ulnar nerve

146
Q

How many Palmar interossei muscles are there and what is their action?

A

3; 1 for digit 2, 1 for digit 4 and 1 for the digiti minimi

147
Q

What is the nerve supply to lumbricals 1 and 2?

A

The median nerve

148
Q

What is the nerve supply to lumbricals 3 and 4?

A

Ulnar nerve

149
Q

The tendons of which muscle serve as the origin for the lumbricals?

A

Flexor digitorum profundus

150
Q

What innervates the radial half of the flexor digitorum profundus?

A

Median nerve

151
Q

What innervates the ulnar half of the flexor digitorum profundus?

A

Ulnar nerve

152
Q

What is the action of the lumbricals?

A

Flex digits 2-5 at the MCP joints and EXTEND the digits at interphalangeal joints (Z position)

153
Q

What are the 3 muscles of the thenar compartment?

A

Abductor pollicis brevis muscle
Flexor pollicis brevis muscle
opponens pollicis muscle

154
Q

What nerve supplies the muscles of the thenar compartment?

A

Recurrent branch of the median nerve

MSK (3 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions