Anatomy of
Upper Limb
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,Bones and Joints of the
Upper Limb
01 Bones and Joints of the Upper Limb
In the study of human anatomy, the upper limb refers to the region between the
shoulder and the hand. It primarily consists of the bones and joints that form the
framework of the arm, forearm, and hand. Understanding the structure and
function of the bones and joints in the upper limb is crucial for healthcare
professionals, such as physiotherapists and orthopedic surgeons, as well as for
individuals interested in learning about the human body. This topic provides an in-
depth exploration of the bones and joints of the upper limb.
Bones of the Upper Limb
Shoulder Girdle
The upper limb's skeleton begins with the shoulder girdle, which is composed of
two bones: the clavicle (collarbone) and the scapula (shoulder blade). The clavicle
connects the upper limb to the trunk and provides stability to the shoulder joint.
The scapula serves as an attachment point for muscles and forms the posterior
aspect of the shoulder joint.
, Arm - Humerus
The humerus is a long bone located in the arm. It extends from the shoulder joint
to the elbow joint. The proximal end articulates with the scapula, forming the
shoulder joint, while the distal end connects to the forearm bones, forming the
elbow joint. The humerus supports the attachment of muscles involved in arm
movement and provides strength to the upper limb.
Forearm - Radius and Ulna
The forearm comprises two bones: the radius and the ulna. The radius is located
on the lateral side, while the ulna is on the medial side. These bones are
responsible for forearm rotation and provide attachment points for muscles that
control wrist and finger movement. The radius and ulna articulate with each other,
forming a pivot joint that enables supination and pronation of the forearm.
Hand - Carpals, Metacarpals, and Phalanges
The hand consists of three segments: the carpal bones, metacarpal bones, and
phalanges. There are eight carpal bones arranged in two rows, forming the wrist
joint. The metacarpals are the bones that make up the palm of the hand,
connecting the carpal bones to the phalanges. Finally, the phalanges are the
bones of the fingers, consisting of the proximal, middle, and distal phalanges,
except for the thumb, which has only two phalanges.
Upper Limb
Get started
,Bones and Joints of the
Upper Limb
01 Bones and Joints of the Upper Limb
In the study of human anatomy, the upper limb refers to the region between the
shoulder and the hand. It primarily consists of the bones and joints that form the
framework of the arm, forearm, and hand. Understanding the structure and
function of the bones and joints in the upper limb is crucial for healthcare
professionals, such as physiotherapists and orthopedic surgeons, as well as for
individuals interested in learning about the human body. This topic provides an in-
depth exploration of the bones and joints of the upper limb.
Bones of the Upper Limb
Shoulder Girdle
The upper limb's skeleton begins with the shoulder girdle, which is composed of
two bones: the clavicle (collarbone) and the scapula (shoulder blade). The clavicle
connects the upper limb to the trunk and provides stability to the shoulder joint.
The scapula serves as an attachment point for muscles and forms the posterior
aspect of the shoulder joint.
, Arm - Humerus
The humerus is a long bone located in the arm. It extends from the shoulder joint
to the elbow joint. The proximal end articulates with the scapula, forming the
shoulder joint, while the distal end connects to the forearm bones, forming the
elbow joint. The humerus supports the attachment of muscles involved in arm
movement and provides strength to the upper limb.
Forearm - Radius and Ulna
The forearm comprises two bones: the radius and the ulna. The radius is located
on the lateral side, while the ulna is on the medial side. These bones are
responsible for forearm rotation and provide attachment points for muscles that
control wrist and finger movement. The radius and ulna articulate with each other,
forming a pivot joint that enables supination and pronation of the forearm.
Hand - Carpals, Metacarpals, and Phalanges
The hand consists of three segments: the carpal bones, metacarpal bones, and
phalanges. There are eight carpal bones arranged in two rows, forming the wrist
joint. The metacarpals are the bones that make up the palm of the hand,
connecting the carpal bones to the phalanges. Finally, the phalanges are the
bones of the fingers, consisting of the proximal, middle, and distal phalanges,
except for the thumb, which has only two phalanges.
