Elbow Anatomy

At Michael C. Cusick, M.D., we know how your elbow works. Our orthopedist performs effective procedures to keep your shoulder and elbow in excellent condition. When you are suffering from elbow conditions, Dr. Michael Cusick works with his skilled team to perform lasting procedures. Visit us to ensure your elbow is healthy and strong!

An Insight into Elbow Anatomy: What Components Does it Consist?

Your elbow consists of many components that help stabilize as well as move it. You use your elbow for multiple activities throughout the day, be it sports or work. Since the elbow is among the most used joints of the body, it is prone to injury and medical conditions. You can visit our specialist for elbow procedures that keep its structure intact.

The elbow has a unique anatomy, with the muscles, bones, ligaments, and other components coming together. Each and every part of your elbow is crucial for its health!

Bone

Three bones intersect to make up the elbow joint: the humerus, ulna, and radius. Here is some insight on your elbow bones:

• Humerus: The upper arm bone or the humerus connects to the scapula and clavicle of the shoulder. It forms the upper portion of the joint and divides into two bony protrusions, called medial and lateral epicondyles, at the lower end. You can feel the bony protrusions on either side of your elbow joint!
• Ulna: Your forearm contains a larger bone that runs from the elbow to the small finger side of your wrist. It is found on the inner surface of the joint!
• Radius: The smaller bone of your joint that runs from the elbow to the thumb side of the wrist is known as radius. It moves with the ulna to help your forearm rotate.

Muscles

Your elbow consists of many muscles that aid in movements. The bicep brachii, triceps brachii, brachialis, brachioradialis, pronator teres, extensor carpi radialis brevis, and extensor digitorum are the muscles that form your elbow joint. With the help of elbow muscles, you can move your arms, palms, fingers, and hands in different ways.

Ligaments

Ligaments support the elbow joint and hold it together, which also prevents elbow injuries. In simple terms, ligaments are thick bands of tissue that join two bones and even hold them together. Your elbow has three ligaments, namely the ulnar collateral ligament, radial collateral ligament, and annular ligament. These ligaments hold your elbow together from the inside and outside, even surrounding the radial head. When you move your arm, the ligaments work to keep the bones tightly in place.

Tendons

Tendons are responsible for connecting muscles to bones, and these bands of connective tissue surround the elbow joint. The biceps tendons allow your elbow to bend by attaching the bicep muscles to the radius. On the other hand, tricep muscles connect to the ulna with the help of the tricep tendon, which is the reason you can straighten your elbow. Thanks to your tendons, you are able to move your elbow without any trouble.

Nerves

Your elbow joint has three main nerves — the ulnar, radial, and median nerves. The purpose of veins is to carry signals from your brain to your muscles, allowing you to move your elbow. Your nerves also carry sensory signals, which is how you can feel pain, temperature, and touch.

Blood Vessels

The brachial artery is the main blood vessel that travels across the inside of your elbow, carrying oxygenated blood from the heart. When the brachial artery reaches below the elbow, it separates to form two small branches called the ulnar and radial artery.