Limb (anatomy)

Limb (anatomy)

A limb in anatomy refers to an appendage of the human or animal body. In humans, it can be divided into two main types: the upper limb and the lower limb. Each limb plays a crucial role in mobility, manipulation, and interaction with the environment.

Structure

Upper Limb

The upper limb or arm is a structure consisting of the shoulder, arm, forearm, wrist, and hand. It is primarily used for manipulation and fine motor skills.

Shoulder

The shoulder is the uppermost part of the arm. It includes the clavicle (collarbone) and the scapula (shoulder blade).

Arm

The arm is the region between the shoulder and the elbow. It contains one bone, the humerus.

Forearm

The forearm is the region between the elbow and the wrist. It contains two bones, the radius and the ulna.

Wrist and Hand

The wrist and hand consist of several small bones and are responsible for fine motor skills.

Lower Limb

The lower limb or leg is a structure consisting of the hip, thigh, knee, leg, ankle, and foot. It is primarily used for support and locomotion.

Hip

The hip is the uppermost part of the leg. It includes the pelvis and the femur (thigh bone).

Thigh

The thigh is the region between the hip and the knee. It contains one bone, the femur.

Knee

The knee is a hinge joint that connects the thigh and the leg.

Leg and Foot

The leg and foot consist of several bones and are responsible for support and locomotion.

Function

Limbs are essential for many functions in humans and animals, including locomotion, manipulation, and interaction with the environment. They also play a role in body language and non-verbal communication.

See also

• Musculoskeletal system
• Human skeleton
• Human body