An Overview on Elbow Anatomy

Anatomy of the Elbow
The shoulder, elbow and wrist work in unison to provide function to the arm. The elbow can flex and extend while the forearm can pronate and supinate (rotation) allowing for multiple degrees of motion.
The elbow joint consists of three bones:
- Humerus – The arm’s largest bone that connects to the shoulder to the forearm
- Radius – One of the two bones in the forearm that is located on the side of the thumb.
- Ulna – One of the two bones in the forearm that is located on the side of the pinky.
Tough, flexible ligaments allow for function and stabilizes the elbow to prevent injuries. The three main ligaments are:
- Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) – Located on the elbow’s inner side to prevent valgus deformity
- Radial collateral ligament – Located on the joint’s outer side to prevent varus deformity
- Annular ligament – This ligament keeps the radial head in contact with the ulna during motion and rotation.
The remainder of elbow is composed of sophisticated structure of tendons, muscles and nerves, including:
- The flexors and extensors allow for movement of the wrist and fingers
- The biceps tendon allows the elbow to flex and the forearm to supinate
- The triceps tendon allows for elbow extension
- The median, ulnar and radial nerves provide motor function and sensation to the forearm, wrist and hand.
Elbow pain and dysfunction is commonly seen in athletes and non-athletes alike. Dr. Yau commonly treats the following causes of elbow pain:
- Distal biceps rupture
- Medial epicondylitis (Golfer’s elbow)
- Lateral epicondylitis (Tennis elbow)
- Ulnar collateral ligament injuries
- Cubital tunnel syndrome (Ulnar nerve entrapment)
For more resources on elbow anatomy or to determine the cause of your elbow pain, please contact the Santa Barbara, Goleta, Santa Maria and Ventura, California orthopedic office of elbow specialist Dr. Jervis Yau.