3 Questions
Which nerve innervates the anterior compartment superficial layer muscles of the forearm?
Median nerve
In which joint of the upper limb is the process of supination and pronation primarily carried out?
Proximal radioulnar joint
Which artery is responsible for providing vascular supply to the shoulder region in the upper limb?
Subscapular artery
Study Notes
The Upper Limb
Overview
The upper limb, commonly referred to as the arm, plays a crucial role in performing various tasks in our everyday life, including writing, gripping, lifting, throwing, and even reaching out to high-five someone after an achievement. It is a highly mobile part of the human body, providing us with the unique ability to manipulate objects and interact with the environment around us.
The upper limb is divided into several distinct parts, each with its specific set of bones, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. These components create a complex system that enables the wide range of motion and functionality we associate with the upper extremity. Let's explore these different areas of the upper limb.
Components of the Upper Limb
Bones
Shoulder Region
- Bones: Scapula, Humerus, Clavicle
- Muscles: Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Rhomboids, Trapezius, Levator Scapulae, Teres Major, Teres Minor
- Joints: Scapulothoracic (Physiological joint with the posterior thoracic wall), Transverse Cervical, Dorsal Scapular, Subscapular
- Vascularization: Subscapular Artery and Branches
- Innervation: Subscapular Nerve
Arm
- Bones: Humerus
- Muscles: Triceps Brachii (Posterior Compartment), Biceps Brachii, Brachialis, Coracobrachialis (Anterior Compartment)
- Joints: Elbow Joint
- Vascularization: Brachial Artery
- Innervation: Musculocutaneous Nerve (Branch of the Brachial Plexus)
Forearm
- Bones: Radius, Ulna
- Muscles: Anterior Compartment Superficial Layer - Flexor Carpi Radialis, Palmaris Longus, Flexor Carpi Ulnaris, Pronator Teres, Flexor Digitorum Superficialis; Posterior Compartment Superficial Layer - Extensor Digitorum, Extensor Carpi Radialis, Extensor Carpi Ulnaris
- Joints: Proximal Radioulnar Joint (Supination and Pronation)
- Vascularization: Radial and Ulnar Arteries
- Innervation: Radial and Ulnar Nerves
Hand
- Bones: Scaphoid, Lunate, Triquetrum, Pisiform, Trapezium, Trapezoid, Capitate, Hamate, Metacarpals (5), Phalanges (Proximal, Middle, Distal)
- Nerves: Radial, Ulnar, Median Nerves
- Vascularization: Terminal Branches of the Radial and Ulnar Arteries
- Muscles: Thenar, Hypothenar, Metacarpal Muscle Groups
These structures are interconnected and work together to enable the complex movements associated with the upper limb.
Explore the bones, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels that make up the intricate system of the upper limb. From the shoulder region to the hand, learn about the components that allow us to perform a wide range of activities in our daily lives.
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