Summary of Upper Limb Bones

Bones of the Upper Body

• Clavicle

  • Number: 2
  • Description: Also known as collarbones; connects the pectoral (shoulder) skeleton to the axial skeleton. Only joints formed are at sternoclavicular joints.

• Scapula

  • Number: 2
  • Description: Known as shoulder blades; forms the pectoral girdle along with the clavicle. Includes the acromion process (tip of shoulder) and glenoid cavity (arm socket).

• Humerus

  • Number: 2
  • Description: The arm bone; attachments for muscles are located at the greater tubercle and epicondyles; articulates with the ulna at the trochlea. Common fracture site at the surgical neck.

• Radius

  • Number: 2
  • Description: Located on the thumb side of the forearm; muscle attachments at the radial tuberosity and styloid process.

• Ulna

  • Number: 2
  • Description: Located on the little finger side of the forearm; the olecranon serves for muscle attachments at the coronoid and styloid processes.

Additional Bones

• Carpal Bones

  • Number: 16
  • Description: Short bones at the upper end of the hand forming the anatomical wrist.

• Metacarpals

  • Number: 10
  • Description: Form the framework of the palm of the hand.

• Phalanges

  • Description: Finger bones consisting of 3 in each finger and 2 in each thumb.