Elbow Joint Anatomy

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Questions and Answers

Which ligament originates from the lateral epicondyle?

Ulnar collateral ligament

Medial collateral ligament

Annular ligament

Radial collateral ligament (correct)

What is the main function of the bursae in the elbow joint?

To increase the range of motion

To strengthen the joint

To protect the joint from injury

To reduce friction between moving parts (correct)

Which nerve does not supply the elbow joint?

Median nerve

Ulnar nerve

Radial nerve

Axillary nerve (correct)

What is the primary movement of the posterior compartment muscles?

Extension Signup and view all the answers

Where does the ulnar collateral ligament attach to?

Medial epicondyle and olecranon of ulna Signup and view all the answers

What is the blood supply to the elbow joint?

From an anastomosis around the elbow joint Signup and view all the answers

What type of bursa is located between the olecranon and the overlying connective tissue?

Subcutaneous olecranon bursa Signup and view all the answers

Which muscle is not involved in flexion of the elbow joint?

Triceps brachii Signup and view all the answers

Which nerve passes between the two heads of the pronator teres?

Median nerve Signup and view all the answers

What is the common site for venipuncture and intravenous injections?

Cubital fossa Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the fracture that can cause damage to the contents of the cubital fossa?

Supracondylar fracture Signup and view all the answers

What is the type of joint that the elbow joint is classified as?

Hinge-type synovial joint Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the complication that can occur if the brachial artery is not repaired after a supracondylar fracture?

Volkmann's ischaemic contracture Signup and view all the answers

What are the articulating surfaces of the elbow joint?

Capitulum and trochlea of humerus Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the median cubital vein in venipuncture?

To collect blood samples for laboratory testing Signup and view all the answers

During blood pressure measurement, where is the diaphragm of the stethoscope typically placed?

Cubital fossa Signup and view all the answers

What type of bursitis is caused by repeated flexion and extension of the forearm?

Subtendinous bursitis Signup and view all the answers

What is the usual direction of an elbow dislocation?

Posterior Signup and view all the answers

Which epicondyle is affected in golfers?

Medial epicondyle Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the fracture that occurs in the distal humerus?

Supracondylar fracture Signup and view all the answers

What is the common tendinous origin of the flexor and extensor muscles in the forearm?

Medial epicondyle Signup and view all the answers

What is the usual cause of subcutaneous bursitis?

Repeated friction and pressure Signup and view all the answers

Which nerve may be involved in an elbow dislocation?

Ulnar nerve Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the condition caused by overuse strain of the common tendon?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Elbow Joint

Upper surface of head of radius articulates with capitulum and trochlear notch of ulna, which articulates with trochlea of humerus.
Elbow joint articulates with superior radioulnar joint.

Elbow Joint Structure

Has a capsule enclosing the joint, which is strong and fibrous, strengthening the joint.
Joint capsule is thickened medially and laterally to form collateral ligaments, stabilizing flexing and extending motion of the arm.

Bursae

Intratendinous olecranon: located within the tendon of the triceps brachii.
Subtendinous olecranon: between the olecranon and the tendon of the triceps brachii, reducing friction during extension and flexion of the arm.
Subcutaneous olecranon bursa: between the olecranon and the overlying connective tissue, implicated in olecranon bursitis.

Ligaments

Ulnar collateral ligament (medial): originates from the medial epicondyle and attaches to the coronoid process and olecranon of the ulna.
Radial collateral ligament (lateral): found on the lateral side of the joint, extending from the lateral epicondyle and blending with the annular ligament of the radius.
Annular ligament: a ligament from the proximal radioulnar joint.

Blood Supply

From anastomosis around the elbow joint, formed by branches of the brachial artery.

Nerve Supply

Branches from:
- Ulnar nerve.
- Median nerve.
- Radial nerve.
- Musculocutaneous nerve.

Movements

Flexion: by anterior compartment muscles (brachialis, biceps brachii, brachioradialis).
Extension: by posterior compartment muscles.

Clinical Applications

Venipuncture: cubital fossa is a common site for sampling and transfusion of blood, and intravenous injections.
Blood pressure measurements: cubital fossa is a site for placement of the diaphragm of the stethoscope.

Supracondylar Fracture

A fracture of the distal humerus, typically transverse or oblique, common in children than adults.
Can cause Volkmann’s ischaemic contracture if not repaired.

Elbow Anatomy

Elbow joint is a hinge-type synovial joint connecting the upper arm to the forearm.
Composed of 3 bones, 2 joints, one capsule, and is a hinge joint.

Clinical Relevance: Injuries to the Elbow Joint

Bursitis:
- Subcutaneous bursitis: caused by repeated friction and pressure, can become infected.
- Subtendinous bursitis: caused by repeated flexion and extension of the forearm.
Dislocation:
- Usually occurs when a young child falls on a hand with the elbow flexed.
- Distal end of the humerus is driven through the weakest part of the joint capsule, usually tearing the ulnar collateral ligament.
Epicondylitis (Tennis elbow or Golfer’s elbow):
- Overuse strain of the common tendon, causing pain and inflammation around the affected epicondyle.
- Tennis players experience pain in the lateral epicondyle, while golfers experience pain in the medial epicondyle.

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Description

This quiz covers the structure and function of the elbow joint, including the articulation of bones and the role of ligaments and bursae. Test your knowledge of the anatomy of the upper arm and forearm.