Upper extremity

Upper Extremity

The Upper Extremity or Upper Limb is one of the two major divisions of the human body's appendicular skeleton. The upper extremity includes the arm, forearm, and hand, which are responsible for a wide range of motions and functions.

Anatomy

The upper extremity is divided into three sections: the arm (brachium), the forearm (antebrachium), and the hand (manus).

Arm

The arm is the region of the upper limb that extends from the shoulder to the elbow. It contains one bone, the humerus. The humerus is the longest bone in the upper extremity.

Forearm

The forearm extends from the elbow to the wrist and contains two bones: the radius and the ulna. These bones are capable of rotation, allowing the hand to be turned palm up (supination) and palm down (pronation).

Hand

The hand includes the wrist, palm, and fingers. The wrist is made up of eight small bones called carpal bones. The palm of the hand contains five bones known as metacarpal bones. Each finger, except the thumb, has three phalanges: proximal, middle, and distal. The thumb only has two phalanges.

Function

The upper extremity plays a crucial role in many daily activities, including reaching, grasping, and manipulating objects. It also plays a significant role in nonverbal communication and expressive gestures.

Clinical significance

Injuries and diseases of the upper extremity can significantly impact a person's ability to perform daily tasks and can affect their quality of life. Common conditions affecting the upper extremity include fractures, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tennis elbow.

See also

• Lower extremity
• Human skeleton
• Musculoskeletal system

Upper extremity Resources
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