Upper Limb Bones Anatomy

Upper Limb Bones

Scapula (Shoulder Blade)

• Triangular flat bone that forms the posterior wall of the thorax
• Attaches to the humerus (upper arm bone) and clavicle (collarbone)

Clavicle (Collarbone)

• Long, curved bone that connects the scapula to the sternum (breastbone)
• Forms the anterior (front) part of the shoulder girdle

Humerus (Upper Arm Bone)

• Long bone that connects the scapula to the radius and ulna (forearm bones)
• Divided into:
  • Proximal end (near the shoulder): connects to the scapula
  • Body (shaft): long, cylindrical part of the bone
  • Distal end (near the elbow): connects to the radius and ulna

Radius and Ulna (Forearm Bones)

• Two bones that connect the humerus to the carpals (wrist bones)
• Radius:
  • Smaller bone that connects to the thumb side of the hand
  • Rotates to allow for forearm rotation
• Ulna:
  • Larger bone that connects to the pinky finger side of the hand
  • Forms the medial (inner) part of the forearm

Carpals (Wrist Bones)

• Eight small bones that form the wrist joint
• Divided into two rows:
  • Proximal row: scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum, pisiform
  • Distal row: trapezium, trapezoid, capitate, hamate

Metacarpals (Hand Bones)

• Five long bones that connect the carpals to the phalanges (finger bones)
• One for each finger, numbered 1-5

Phalanges (Finger Bones)

• 14 small bones that form the fingers and thumb
• Divided into:
  • Proximal phalanges: base of each finger
  • Intermediate phalanges: middle of each finger
  • Distal phalanges: tip of each finger

Upper Limb Bones

Scapula (Shoulder Blade)

• Forms the posterior wall of the thorax
• Attaches to the humerus and clavicle

Clavicle (Collarbone)

• Connects the scapula to the sternum
• Forms the anterior part of the shoulder girdle

Humerus (Upper Arm Bone)

• Divided into three parts: proximal end, body, and distal end
• Proximal end connects to the scapula
• Body is the long, cylindrical part of the bone
• Distal end connects to the radius and ulna

Radius and Ulna (Forearm Bones)

• Radius: smaller bone that connects to the thumb side of the hand
• Radius rotates to allow for forearm rotation
• Ulna: larger bone that connects to the pinky finger side of the hand
• Ulna forms the medial part of the forearm

Carpals (Wrist Bones)

• Eight small bones that form the wrist joint
• Divided into two rows: proximal and distal
• Proximal row consists of scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum, and pisiform
• Distal row consists of trapezium, trapezoid, capitate, and hamate

Metacarpals (Hand Bones)

• Five long bones that connect the carpals to the phalanges
• One metacarpal for each finger, numbered 1-5

Phalanges (Finger Bones)

• 14 small bones that form the fingers and thumb
• Divided into proximal, intermediate, and distal phalanges
• Proximal phalanges are at the base of each finger
• Intermediate phalanges are in the middle of each finger
• Distal phalanges are at the tip of each finger