Elbow Joint Anatomy and Ligaments

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following bones does NOT make up the elbow joint?

  • Tibia (correct)
  • Ulna
  • Humerus
  • Radius

What is the primary function of the anterior band of the ulnar collateral ligament?

  • Increase tension with Internal Rotation
  • Limit Valgus and Extension (correct)
  • Provide articular stability
  • Resist Varus forces

Which ligament of the elbow becomes taut during extreme elbow flexion?

  • Radial Collateral Ligament
  • Transverse Fibers of Ulnar Collateral Ligament
  • Lateral (Ulnar) Collateral Ligament (correct)
  • Ulnar Collateral Ligament (Posterior Fibers)

Which joint is NOT considered as part of the elbow joint?

<p>Humerus-shaft Joint (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What force does the radial collateral ligament primarily resist?

<p>Varus forces (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic best describes the transverse fibers of the ulnar collateral ligament?

<p>Provides limited articular stability (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the ulnar collateral ligament's posterior band?

<p>Resist Valgus-producing forces (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the humero-ulnar joint?

<p>A hinge joint allowing flexion and extension (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which muscular tissue is primarily responsible for resisting a distal pull of the radius?

<p>Biceps Brachii (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do the transverse fibers of the medial collateral ligament play?

<p>Connects the anterior and posterior fibers, providing additional support (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which ligament is classified as a nonmuscular tissue that resists distal pull of the radius?

<p>Annular Ligament (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During elbow flexion, how do the fibrous connections behave in the medial collateral ligament?

<p>Anterior fibers tighten, while posterior fibers relax (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occurs at the humeroradial joint during elbow flexion?

<p>The radial head rolls and glides posteriorly (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do the fibers of the medial collateral ligament respond during forearm supination?

<p>The radial head spins around the stationary ulna (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which nonmuscular tissue contributes to joint stabilization by surrounding the joints?

<p>Fascia (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the anterior fibers of the medial collateral ligament as the elbow flexes?

<p>They slacken to allow a more fluid motion (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What ligament and structure allow for the internal rotation of the Humerus and Ulna proximally?

<p>Annular ligament and Radial notch (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which structure forms the roof of the cubital fossa?

<p>Brachial and Antebrachial fascia (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which muscle is innervated by the Median nerve around the elbow?

<p>Flexor Carpi Radialis (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the medial boundary of the cubital fossa?

<p>Pronator Teres (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of knowing the boundaries of the cubital fossa for a physical therapist?

<p>It helps identify injuries or conditions affecting nerves and blood vessels. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which muscles receive motor input from the Anterior Interosseous nerve, a branch of the Median nerve?

<p>Flexor Pollicis Longus and Flexor Digitorum Profundus (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the position of the head of the Ulna in relation to the fixed ulnar notch of the radius distally?

<p>Rolls and slides in opposite directions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the lateral boundary of the cubital fossa?

<p>Brachioradialis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the anterior deltoid play during a pushing motion that combines elbow extension and shoulder flexion?

<p>Elbow extends as the anterior deltoid flexes the shoulder. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which muscle acts as the most direct antagonist to the brachialis muscle?

<p>Triceps Brachii (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the passive 'drifting' of the forearm towards supination during an extension stretch indicate?

<p>The biceps brachii may be tight and contributing to the elbow flexion contracture. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which position of the upper extremity maximally elongates the biceps brachii muscle?

<p>Shoulder extension, elbow fully extended, and forearm fully pronated. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What biomechanical benefit does the central band of the interosseous membrane provide during pronation and supination?

<p>It serves as a supportive structure that distributes forces effectively between forearm bones. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When applying an extension torque to the elbow, which muscle is most likely to resist the stretch if tight?

<p>Biceps Brachii (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the anterior deltoid when opposing shoulder extensor torque?

<p>It must oppose and exceed the shoulder extensor torque produced by the long head of the triceps. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which joint motion is primarily influenced by the rotation at the proximal radioulnar joint?

<p>Forearm pronation and supination (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of force transmission between the radius and ulna during weight-bearing activities?

<p>To efficiently transmit force and distribute loads (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the isometric behavior of associated tissues aid in forearm motion?

<p>By minimizing energy expenditure during stabilization (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which muscle primarily resists the movement toward supination due to contraction or tightness?

<p>Pronator teres (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the interosseous membrane play during forearm rotation?

<p>It may limit ulnar movement if taut (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which structure can restrict active supination when tight?

<p>Flexor carpi radialis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the stability provided by maintaining near-constant length of certain tissues affect forearm movement?

<p>It ensures smooth and coordinated movement (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which condition might occur in the proximal and distal radioulnar joints that could limit rotational movement?

<p>Capsular ligament tightness (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of the latissimus dorsi contracting during a weight-bearing position?

<p>It helps to internally rotate the humerus (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Elbow Joint Anatomy

  • The elbow joint is comprised of three bones: humerus, ulna, and radius.
  • These bones form three joints: humero-radial, humero-ulnar, and proximal radioulnar.

Elbow Ligaments

  • The Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) is a key stabilizer against valgus force (abduction).
    • Anterior Band: The strongest and stiffest part, limiting valgus, extension, and flexion.
    • Posterior Band: Less defined and weaker than the anterior, resisting valgus force and taut during extreme flexion.
    • Transverse Fibers: Limited impact on stability, connecting the anterior and posterior fibers.
  • Lateral (Ulnar) Collateral Ligament: Resists varus forces (adduction) and excessive external rotation.
  • Radial Collateral Ligament: Offers resistance against varus forces and increases tension with external rotation.
  • Annular Ligament: Helps rotate the radial head around the ulna during pronation/supination.

Cubital Fossa

  • The cubital fossa is a triangular space on the anterior elbow.
    • Superior Boundary: Imaginary line connecting the medial and lateral epicondyles.
    • Medial Boundary: Pronator Teres muscle.
    • Lateral Boundary: Brachioradialis muscle.
    • Floor: Brachialis and Supinator muscles.
    • Roof: Brachial and antebrachial fascia, reinforced by bicipital aponeurosis, subcutaneous tissue, and skin.

Cubital Fossa Importance (For PT)

  • Knowing the boundaries helps identify injuries or conditions impacting nerves and blood vessels in the area.

Muscles Innervated by Elbow Nerves

  • Median Nerve:

    • Pronator Teres,
    • Flexor Carpi Radialis,
    • Palmaris Longus,
    • Flexor Digitorum Superficialis
    • Anterior Interosseous Nerve (branch of median)
      • Flexor Pollicis Longus
      • Flexor Digitorum Profundus (lateral half, for digits 2 & 3)
  • Ulnar Nerve:

    • Flexor Carpi Ulnaris,
    • Flexor Digitorum Profundus (medial half, for digits 4 & 5),
    • Intrinsic hand muscles (not specified)
  • Radial Nerve:

    • Brachioradialis,
    • Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus,
    • Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis

Radius Distal Pull Resistance

  • Muscular Tissues:

    • Biceps Brachii,
    • Brachialis,
    • Brachioradialis,
    • Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus,
    • Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis
  • Non-muscular Tissues:

    • Annular Ligament,
    • Radial Collateral Ligament,
    • Joint Capsules,
    • Articular Cartilage,
    • Fascia

UCL Fiber Function

  • Anterior Fibers: Primary stabilizer during extension and taut in full extension, gradually loosening for smoother flexion.
  • Posterior Fibers: Relaxed at full extension, taut during flexion, and aids in stabilizing the elbow against valgus stress during flexion.
  • Transverse Fibers: Minor role compared to the other two fibers, contributing to overall UCL integrity.

Humeroradial Joint Arthrokinematics

  • Flexion: Concave radial head rolls and glides posteriorly within the convex humerus.
  • Supination: Radial head spins around the stationary ulna in the radial notch, occurring at the proximal radioulnar joint.

Deltoid and "Pushing"

  • During combined elbow extension and shoulder flexion (pushing motion), the anterior deltoid opposes and exceeds the shoulder extensor torque produced by the triceps.

Brachialis Antagonist

  • Triceps Brachii is the most direct antagonist to the brachialis muscle.

Elbow Flexion Contracture & Supination Drift

  • Forearm supination drift during elbow extension stretch indicates biceps brachii tightness, as it functions as both an elbow flexor and forearm supinator.

Biceps Brachii Max Elongation

  • Shoulder extension + Full elbow extension + Full forearm pronation maximally elongates the biceps brachii.

Interosseous Membrane Benefits

  • Plays a near-isometric role during pronation and supination.
  • Force Transmission: Efficiently transmits force between radius and ulna during weight-bearing.
  • Stability: Stabilizes radius and ulna during rotation, enabling smooth coordinated movement.
  • Energy Conservation: Minimizes muscle contraction for stability.
  • Joint Protection: Guards against excessive stress or displacement during rotational movements.

Latissimus Dorsi and Supination

  • In weight-bearing positions with a fixed hand, latissimus dorsi contraction internally rotates the humerus, which can passively supinate the forearm.
  • Limiters: Pronator teres, pronator quadratus, interosseous membrane, radioulnar joint capsules, tight wrist flexor muscles (ex. flexor carpi radialis).

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