Ulnar
Ulnar
The Ulnar is one of the two long bones found in the forearm, the other being the radius. The ulnar is located on the side of the forearm closest to the body (the medial side) and runs parallel to the radius. It is larger and longer than the radius, and its size and position contribute to its role in forming the elbow joint and the wrist joint.
Anatomy[edit | edit source]
The ulnar is a long bone that is cylindrical in shape. It consists of a body and two ends, the proximal end and the distal end. The proximal end is larger and forms the elbow joint with the humerus, while the distal end is smaller and forms the wrist joint with the carpal bones.
Proximal End[edit | edit source]
The proximal end of the ulnar features two important structures: the olecranon and the coronoid process. The olecranon is a large, blunt projection that forms the point of the elbow and serves as the attachment site for the triceps brachii muscle. The coronoid process is a smaller, triangular projection that fits into the coronoid fossa of the humerus during flexion of the elbow.
Body[edit | edit source]
The body of the ulnar is long and slender, and it tapers as it approaches the wrist. It features a ridge called the interosseous border, which is the attachment site for the interosseous membrane that connects the ulnar and the radius.
Distal End[edit | edit source]
The distal end of the ulnar is smaller than the proximal end and features a structure called the head of the ulnar. The head of the ulnar articulates with the ulnar notch of the radius and the triangular fibrocartilage complex to form the wrist joint.
Function[edit | edit source]
The ulnar plays a crucial role in the function of the forearm and hand. It provides structural support and stability, and it serves as an attachment site for several muscles that control movement of the hand and fingers. Additionally, the ulnar transmits forces from the hand to the forearm during activities that involve gripping and lifting.
Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]
Injuries to the ulnar, such as fractures and dislocations, are common and can result in significant disability. Conditions such as ulnar deviation and ulnar impaction syndrome can also affect the ulnar and cause pain and loss of function.
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
