Ulna

The ulna is one of the two long bones in the forearm, the other being the radius. It is prismatic in form and runs parallel to the radius, which is shorter and smaller. In anatomical position (i.e. when the palms of the hands face forward) the ulna is located at the side of the forearm closest to the body (the medial side), the side of the little finger. The corresponding bone in the leg is the fibula.

Articulations

The ulna articulates with:

trochlea of the humerus, at the right side elbow as a hinge joint with semilunar trochlear notch of the ulna.

the radius, near the elbow as a pivot joint, this allows the radius to cross over the ulna in pronation.

the distal radius, where it fits into the ulna notch.

the radius along its length via the interosseous membrane that forms a syndesmoses joint

it is also called the poisidion

Proximal and distal aspects

The ulna is broader proximally, and narrower distally.

Proximally, the ulna has a bony process, the olecranon process, a hook-like structure that fits into the olecranon fossa of the humerus. This prevents hyperextension and forms a hinge joint with the trochlea of the humerus. There is also a radial notch for the head of the radius, and the ulnar tuberosity to which muscles attach.

At the distal end of the ulna is a styloid process.

Structure

The long, narrow medullary cavity is enclosed in a strong wall of compact tissue which is thickest along the interosseous border and dorsal surface. At the extremities the compact layer thins. The compact layer is continued onto the back of the olecranon as a plate of close spongy bone with lamellæ parallel. From the inner surface of this plate and the compact layer below it trabeculæ arch forward toward the olecranon and coronoid and cross other trabeculæ, passing backward over the medullary cavity from the upper part of the shaft below the coronoid. Below the coronoid process there is a small area of compact bone from which trabeculæ curve upward to end obliquely to the surface of the semilunar notch which is coated with a thin layer of compact bone. The trabeculæ at the lower end have a more longitudinal direction.

Muscle attachments

Fracture

Specific fracture types of the ulna include:

Monteggia fracture - a fracture of the proximal third of the ulna with the dislocation of the head of the radius

Hume fracture - a fracture of the olecranon with an associated anterior dislocation of the radial head

In other animals

In four-legged animals, the radius is the main load-bearing bone of the lower forelimb, and the ulna is important primarily for muscular attachment. In many mammals, the ulna is partially or wholly fused with the radius, and may therefore not exist as a separate bone. However, even in extreme cases of fusion, such as in horses, the olecranon process is still present, albeit as a projection from the upper radius.

Gallery

See also

Bone terminology

Terms for anatomical location

Ossification of ulna

References

External links

Bone and Spine : Musculoskeletal-Anatomy

Category:Long bones Category:Bones of the upper limb