Forearm Skeletal Anatomy: Radius and Ulna

Forearm Bone Identification

  • The forearm consists of the radius and ulna.
  • Radius: Located on the lateral side in the anatomical position.
  • Ulna: Located on the medial side in the anatomical position.
  • The bones are organized by their proximal end and distal end.

Features of the Radius and Rhenius

  • Head of radius: Forms an articulation with the capyclum as part of the elbow joint; surrounded by the annular length of the ulna.
  • Radial neck: The area located directly below the head of the rhenius.
  • Radial tuberosity: A protrusion for tendon attachments.
  • Styloid process in the radius: Distal point for tendon attachment.

Features of the Ulna

  • Head and ulna: Located at the distal end, acting as an articular surface.
  • Styloid process of ulna: A distal attachment point for muscle on the attachment, smaller than that of the radius.
  • Olecranon process: Located on the posterior surface; sits in the olecranon fossa of the humerus.
  • Orange notch: Located on the anterior side of the ulna to sit the trochlea of the uterus.
  • Coronoid process: A bony projection jutting anteriorly for forearm muscle tendon attachment.
  • Radial notch: Located at the proximal end; serves as the starting point for the annular ligament.

Connective Tissues and Articulations

  • Interosseous membrane: A large structure made of fibrous tissue that separates forearm muscles into anterior and posterior components.
  • Annular ligament: Starts from the radial notch of the ulna and surrounds the head of the radius.
  • Angular ligament: Surrounds the head of the radius from the posterior side, starting from the radial notch.
  • Proximal radial ulnar joint: Articulation point where the radius and ulna touch at the proximal end.
  • Distal radial ulnar joint: Articulation point where the radius and ulna touch at the distal end.
  • Together, these structures comprise the bones of the bone's valforum.