Upper Limb Anatomy

Upper Limb Structure

• The term "brachium" refers to the structures from the shoulder to the elbow, excluding the forearm.

Upper Limb Function

• The primary function of the upper limb in humans is to perform various movements and actions.

Upper Limb Components

• The upper limb is divided into the arm, forearm, and hand.

Terminology

• In casual usage, the term "arm" is often used to distinguish it from the "upper limb".
• The formal definition of the term "arm" in the context of the upper limb refers to the region from the shoulder to the elbow.

Joints

• The upper limbs of a tetrapod vertebrate include the shoulder joint, elbow joint, wrist joint, and joints of the hand.

Muscle Classification

• The muscles of the upper limb can be classified into flexors, extensors, pronators, supinators, and rotators.

Common Usage

• The terms "upper limb" and "arm" are commonly used interchangeably, but "arm" is sometimes used to refer specifically to the region from the shoulder to the elbow.

Redundant Term

• The redundant term "upper arm" is sometimes used in informal usage to distinguish between the "upper limb" and the "arm".