humeroulnar joint

articulatio humeroulnaris

The humeroulnar joint, is part of the elbow-joint or the Olecron Joint, between the ulna and humerus bones is the simple hinge-joint, which allows for movements of flexion, extension and circumduction. The Humero-Ulnar Joint is the junction of trochlear notch of the ulna and the trochlea of the humerus. Owing to the obliquity of the trochlea of the humerus, this movement does not take place in the antero-posterior plane of the body of the humerus. When the forearm is extended and supinated, the axis of the arm and forearm are not in the same line; the arm forms an obtuse angle with the forearm. During flexion, however, the forearm and the hand tend to approach the middle line of the body, and thus enable the hand to be easily carried to the face. The accurate adaptation of the trochlea of the humerus, with its prominences and depressions, to the semilunar notch of the ulna, prevents any lateral movement. Flexion is produced by the action of the Biceps brachii and Brachialis, assisted by the Brachioradialis, with a tiny contribution from the muscles arising from the medial epicondyle of the humerus. Extension is produced by the Triceps brachii and AnconC&us, with a tiny contribution from the muscles arising from the lateral epicondyle of the humerus, such as the Extensor digitorum communis.

Type Bone
Latin Name articulatio humeroulnaris
FMA ID 38854

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the humeroulnar joint?
The humeroulnar joint is a hinge joint formed by the articulation between the trochlear notch of the ulna and the trochlea (pulley-shaped surface) of the distal humerus. It is the primary joint responsible for elbow flexion and extension.
What type of joint is the humeroulnar joint?
The humeroulnar joint is classified as a hinge (ginglymus) synovial joint, allowing primarily uniaxial movement—flexion and extension of the forearm at the elbow. A small degree of circumduction is also possible.
What movements does the humeroulnar joint permit?
The humeroulnar joint primarily permits flexion and extension of the elbow. It also allows a small degree of circumduction and contributes to the carrying angle of the forearm.
What structures form the articular surfaces of the humeroulnar joint?
The joint is formed between the trochlear notch (incisura trochlearis) of the ulna and the trochlea of the humerus. The trochlea is a pulley-shaped projection that fits snugly into the trochlear notch.
What ligaments stabilize the humeroulnar joint?
The humeroulnar joint is stabilized primarily by the medial (ulnar) collateral ligament and the lateral (radial) collateral ligament, along with the joint capsule and the anconeus muscle.

Related Structures

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Educational Disclaimer

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Data sources: Terminologia Anatomica, Foundational Model of Anatomy, Wikidata.