Upper Limb Anatomy

Clavicle Functions

• The clavicle functions as a strut and transmits forces.
• It serves as an attachment point for muscles.
• The medial 2/3 of the clavicle is concave anteriorly.

Intrinsic Plus Hand

• Intrinsic plus refers to MCP flexion, PIP extension and DIP extension.

Biceps Brachii

• The primary action of the biceps brachii is forearm supination.

Forearm Movement

• The radius is the only bone that moves during forearm movements.

Thenar Eminence

• The thenar eminence is innervated by the median nerve.

Bicipital Groove

• The teres major attaches to the medial lip of the bicipital groove.
• The pectoralis major attaches to the lateral lip of the bicipital groove.
• The latissimus dorsi forms the floor of the bicipital groove.

Palmar Interossei

• Palmar interossei muscles are responsible for adduction.

Scapula Spine

• The root of the spine of the scapula is at the T3 vertebral level.

Flexor Digitorum Superficialis (FDS)

• The FDS muscle is responsible for MCP and PIP flexion, but not DIP flexion.

Scapula

• The coracoid process is located anteriorly on the scapula.

Adductor Pollicis Nerve Supply

• The adductor pollicis muscle is supplied by the deep branch of the ulnar nerve.

Carpal Bone Fractures

• The scaphoid is the most commonly fractured carpal bone.

Shoulder Elevation

• The scapulohumeral joint allows elevation beyond 90°.

Greater Tuberosity

• The subscapularis does not attach to the greater tuberosity.

Triceps Brachii Insertion

• The heads of the triceps brachii insert on the olecranon process.

Tunnel of Guyon

• The trapezium is not part of the Tunnel of Guyon.

Extensor Retinaculum

• The pisiform is the medial attachment of the extensor retinaculum.

Deltoid Muscle Origins

• The deltoid tuberosity is not an origin of the deltoid muscle fibers, but is actually the insertion.

Trapezius Muscle Nerve Supply

• The trapezius muscle is supplied by the C3-C4 nerve roots, spinal accessory nerve and cranial nerve XI.

Dorsal Scapular Nerve

• The dorsal scapular nerve does not supply the teres minor.

Flexor Muscle Origin

• The common origin of the flexor group of muscles is the medial epicondyle.

FADIR Test

• The FADIR test involves the pectoralis major muscle.

Shoulder Abduction

• The long head of the biceps brachii is an abductor of the shoulder.

Pectoralis Major Fibers

• The clavicular fibers of the pectoralis major are capable of flexing the shoulder.

Palmaris Brevis

• The palmaris brevis muscle corrugates the skin of the palm.

Coracobrachialis

• The coracobrachialis is a shoulder flexor and is innervated by the musculocutaneous nerve.

Triceps Brachii Nerve Supply

• The triceps brachii muscle is supplied by the radial nerve.

Teres Minor Nerve Supply

• The teres minor muscle is supplied by the axillary nerve.

Coracoid Process

• The conoid ligament does not attach to the coracoid process.

Intertubercular Groove

• The long head of the biceps brachii passes through the intertubercular groove.

Brachial Plexus Divisions

• Each trunk in the brachial plexus has 2 divisions.

Humerus Lower End

• The olecranon fossa is the only posterior structure on the lower end of the humerus

Humerus and Ulna

• The trochlear notch receives the trochlea of the humerus.

Radius

• The radial notch receives the radial head.
• The annular ligament holds the radial head in place during motion.

Subscapularis

• There is no middle subscapular nerve.
• The subscapularis muscle internally rotates the arm.

Extensor Muscle Origin

• The common origin of the extensor group of muscles is the lateral epicondyle.

Elbow Flexion

• The brachialis is a pure elbow flexor.

Brachialis Nerve Supply

• The brachialis muscle is supplied by both the radial and musculocutaneous nerves.

Supinator Nerve Supply

• The supinator muscle is supplied by the radial nerve.

Humerus Head Shape

• The head of the humerus is 1/3 of a sphere.

Elbow Extension

• The anconeus is a pure elbow extensor.

Carpal Bone Dislocation

• The lunate is the most commonly dislocated carpal bone.

Pectoralis Minor Nerve Supply

• The pectoralis minor muscle is supplied by the medial pectoral nerve.

Anatomic Snuffbox

• The scaphoid forms the floor of the anatomic snuffbox.

Infraglenoid Tubercle

• The long head of the triceps brachii originates from the infraglenoid tubercle.

Extensor Tunnels

• The tendons forming the borders of the anatomic snuffbox pass through extensor tunnels I & III.

Extensor Digitorum Communis (EDC) and Extensor Indicis Proprius (EIP)

• The EDC and EIP pass through extensor tunnel IV.

Flexor Digitorum Profundus (FDP)

• The FDP muscle is responsible for MCP, PIP, and DIP flexion.

A quick review of the upper limb anatomy including the clavicle, forearm, and bicipital groove. Key concepts include muscle attachments and movements. Test your knowledge of anatomical structures.