Limb (anatomy)

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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[edit | edit source]

Upper Limb[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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

Arm[edit | edit source]

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

Forearm[edit | edit source]

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

Wrist and Hand[edit | edit source]

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

Lower Limb[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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

Thigh[edit | edit source]

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

Knee[edit | edit source]

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

Leg and Foot[edit | edit source]

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

Function[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]


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