humeroulnar joint
articulatio humeroulnaris
Between the trochlear notch of the ulna and the trochlea of the humerus lies the humeroulnar joint, a simple hinge joint forming part of the elbow. Its close adaptation, with the prominences and depressions of the trochlea fitting the semilunar notch, prevents lateral movement. Because the trochlea is oblique, flexion and extension do not occur in the anteroposterior plane of the humeral shaft: with the forearm extended and supinated the arm and forearm form an obtuse angle, whereas during flexion the forearm and hand approach the midline, which allows the hand to be carried easily to the face. Flexion is produced by biceps brachii and brachialis assisted by brachioradialis, and extension by triceps brachii and anconeus, with small contributions from the epicondylar muscle groups.
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.
On this page
| 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.
References
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Educational Disclaimer
This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical decisions.
Data sources: Terminologia Anatomica, Foundational Model of Anatomy, Wikidata.
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