Anatomy of the elbow joint, structure, functions

The human body is a coherent system. Due to the correct arrangement of its parts, all the functions necessary for life activity are realized. The main support of the body is the skeleton. The next most important component is the joints and ligaments. Thanks to these entities people are able to make any movement.

The joints of the upper limbs are numerous. Most of them are observed in the area of hands and fingers. Nevertheless, in order to bring the entire upper limb into motion, the work of the three main joints is spent: the shoulder, elbow and wrist. The anatomy of these formations is complex, because they have in their composition a multitude of parts (bones, ligaments, muscles, nerves and vessels).

What is the elbow joint?

Anatomy of the elbow joint, the shoulder joint, as well as the wrist joint, is a well-coordinated mechanism with several components. Each of these formations is important. Only thanks to the correct structure of the entire joint, it can perform its functions. Anomalies or diseases of the bone tissue or ligamentous apparatus lead to violations of the movements of the upper limb. The same applies to the pathology of blood vessels and nerves.

Anatomy of the elbow joint includes 3 bones, several ligaments, a capsule and muscles. The functioning of each of these formations requires blood supply and innervation. Like any part of the body, it has vessels and nerves and an elbow joint.

Its anatomy is created in such a way that all components together perform a single function - limb movement. In general, the concept of "elbow" includes not only the joint, but also the forearm. Thanks to the well-coordinated work of these entities, it can perform the following functions:

1. Flexion of the upper limb.
2. Pronation and supination.
3. Extension of the hand.
4. Ot- and reduction of the forearm.

Bones and elbows

Anatomy of the elbow joint is difficult, since it refers to complex joints. First of all, this is due to the fact that it includes 3 bones. In addition, each of them is connected by means of small joints. All of them are under a special capsule - a bag.

This education can be visualized in a special atlas. There you can see all the joints that make up the elbow joint. Anatomy (photos in the atlas, help to better understand it), this education is presented there in different angles and sections, so that its entire structure is clear.

The bone entering the described joint and located above (proximally) is called the humerus. It starts from the scapular cavity and ends at the level of the elbow. Refers to the tubular bones of the skeleton. If you look at it in a cross-section, you can see that the lower part has the shape of a triangle. In this zone there is an articular surface. Its middle part is connected to the ulna and forms a small joint. It bears the name of a humerus articulation.

On the side (lateral) is the connection with the radius. There, too, there is a joint, called the brachial articulation. Two bones that are part of the elbow joint on the distal side are also connected. They form the third articulation - proximal radiolucleus. And all of the above listed entities are covered with a bag.

Which ligaments are the elbows formed?

In addition to bones, the anatomy of the elbow joint includes a ligamentous apparatus. They are fibers of connective tissue, which are also necessary for the implementation of movements. Here are the following links:

1. Radial collateral. It starts from the protruding part (condyle) of the ulna, which is located on the side. Further, the ligament descends below and rounds the head of the radius. After that, it is attached to the tenderloin on it.
2. Elbow collateral. Like the first, originates from the condyle of the humerus (internal). After that, it goes down. This formation ends in a block-shaped notch.
3. Ring-shaped ligament of radius. It is between the front and back of the scrap. The fibers of this bundle cover the radial bone, thereby attaching it to the ulna.
4. Square. Promotes the connection of the neck of the radius with the elbow cutting.
5. The interosseous membrane of the forearm. It is a dense connective tissue that is necessary for fixation. Occupies the entire space between the elbow and the radius.

Muscles that make up the elbow joint

Muscles are organs through which a person can perform flexion and extension of limbs. Anatomy of the elbow joint includes the striated muscle, although the muscles are not included in the joint itself. Nevertheless, they are its integral part, since without them the joint can not perform its function. The muscles are located in the proximal and distal region, that is, above and below the joint itself. Among them:

1. Shoulder. It is located slightly above the joint. Due to it the flexural movements of the forearm are carried out.
2. The biceps (biceps). It begins in the upper part of the humerus, it is well palpated with the strain of the arm. Refers to the flexor group.
3. Three-headed. Responsible for the movement of the forearm.
4. The ulnar muscle. It is necessary for extension of the joint.
5. The ulnar flexor of the wrist.
6. Round pronator. Participates in flexion of the forearm.
7. The long palm muscle. In some people, it is absent. This muscle is necessary for extension of the forearm and palm.
8. Superficial flexor of fingers.
9. Bronchial muscle. Responsible for turns and bending.
10. Muscle-supinator. It is located in the bony region of the forearm.
11. Long and short radius extensor.

Thanks to all of them, the upper limb carries out movements. Therefore, they should also be referred to the anatomical formations of the elbow. After all, the muscles are involved in the movement of the forearm.

What are Elbow Bags: Anatomy

All the anatomical formations of the elbow joint are enclosed in a so-called bag. It consists of a synovial membrane, inside of which there is a liquid. In the cavity of the bag includes all 3 joints of bones. As a result, a single elbow joint is formed.

In turn, each of the three small junctions is also enclosed in bags. By the way, this shell is present in all joints of our body. It protects bones and ligaments from damage. And the liquid that is inside the bag is needed to lubricate the joint surfaces. Thanks to the synovial fluid, the bones and joints are not damaged during the collision (during the movements).

Which arteries supply the elbow

In order for all the formations that make up the elbow to function, a blood flow is necessary. It is carried out with the help of three large vessels. Among them: the humerus, ulnar and radial arteries. Each of them, in turn, has branches. In general, the elbow joint is supplied with blood by 8 arteries that drain from the three main arteries. Some of them provide oxygen to the muscles. Other blood supply to the bones and joints.

All these vessels form a network - an anastomosis. As a result, with the defeat of one of them, the blood still comes to the organ. Nevertheless, anastomoses between the arteries do not always help with injuries. This is due to the fact that severe bleeding from the vascular network is difficult to stop.

All arteries are located on the surface of the bag of the joint. Thanks to them, the whole articulation feeds on oxygen.

Ulcers of the elbow joint

The venous system is spread throughout the body. The anatomy of the elbow joint is not an exception. Venous outflow from the formations constituting this joint is carried out by vessels of the same name (with arteries). That is, blood, rich in carbon dioxide, from the region of the joint returns to the heart system. The following vessels discharge the outflow:

• Lower and upper ulnar collateral - they are branches from the brachial vein;
• Return ulnar - it has 2 branches (front and back). Both of them are part of the ulnar vein;
• Interosseous return;
• Returnable radial - in the blood supply of the elbow, 1 branch of it participates;
• Medial and radial collateral.

These vessels carry out the outflow of blood to the basins of the three main veins. They are called the same as the arteries: radial, ulnar and brachial. All of them fall into a large axillary vein.

Anatomy of the elbow joint: lymph drainage (vessels and nodes)

The lymphatic system consists of vessels and ducts. Also in the body there are several groups of large peripheral nodes. Among them: axillary, ulnar, inguinal and other clusters of lymphoid tissue. In addition, there are small nodes.

Outflow of lymph is carried out on deep vessels. They pass near the arteries and veins of the upper limb. Lymphatic vessels of the hand begin with the palmar network, pass along the bones and flow into the ulnar nodes. Further, the outflow continues at the level of the shoulder. Then the fluid is collected in the axillary lymph nodes. After this, an outflow to the subclavian trunk occurs. Further - in the right and left lymphatic ducts.

Innervation of the shoulder and elbow joints

To understand exactly how the movements of the forearm are carried out, it is necessary to study such a section as the anatomy of the elbow joint. The innervation of this junction is represented by three main formations. They, in turn, are divided into small branches.

Radial and median nerve pass along the anterior side of the elbow . The first - performs 2 functions. It sets in motion the extensor muscles of the elbow and wrist joint, and also is responsible for the sensitivity of the back of the forearm and half of the hand. The median nerve passes almost through the entire upper limb. Basically, it activates the flexor muscles of the palm and fingers, as well as the round pronator. The third major nerve is the ulna. In the distal part, it passes into the palmar branch, which moves the 4 and 5 fingers. The proximal part innervates the muscles of the forearm.

Anatomical features of the elbow structure in children

Anatomy of the elbow joint in children does not differ from adults. However, this joint in the child is more prone to injury. And most often there are dislocations of the elbow joint. This is due to the fact that synovial tissue in children is not sufficiently formed, in contrast to adults. As a result of the stretching of the hand, the children have movable radial bone heads. In general, this phenomenon is observed at the age of 1 to 3 years. And it is more common in girls.

How is the elbow joint in dogs

Anatomy of the elbow joint of a dog is similar to that of a human. This joint is problematic for animals and veterans. A feature of the elbow in dogs is the predisposition of the articular tissue to dysplasia. This disease is common among many breeds. It refers to the congenital anomalies of development. With dysplasia, a gradual destruction of the tissues occurs, as a result of which pathology leads the animal to limp.