Wikipedia

Medial epicondyle of the humerus

Also found in: Medical.
Medial epicondyle of the humerus
Gray329-Medial epicondyle of the humerus.png
Left elbow-joint, showing anterior and ulnar collateral ligaments. (Medial epicondyle labeled at center top.)
Gray210.png
Plan of ossification of the humerus. (Medial epicondyle labeled at lower left.)
Details
Identifiers
LatinEpicondylus medialis humeri
TA98A02.4.04.027
TA21207
FMA23441
Anatomical terms of bone

The medial epicondyle of the humerus is an epicondyle of the humerus bone of the upper arm in humans. It is larger and more prominent than the lateral epicondyle and is directed slightly more posteriorly in the anatomical position. In birds, where the arm is somewhat rotated compared to other tetrapods, it is called the ventral epicondyle of the humerus. In comparative anatomy, the more neutral term entepicondyle is used.

The medial epicondyle gives attachment to the ulnar collateral ligament of elbow joint, to the pronator teres, and to a common tendon of origin (the common flexor tendon) of some of the flexor muscles of the forearm: the flexor carpi radialis, the flexor carpi ulnaris, the flexor digitorum superficialis, and the palmaris longus. The medial epicondyle is located on the distal end of the humerus. Additionally, the medial epicondyle is inferior to the medial supracondylar ridge. It is also proximal to the olecranon fossa.

The medial epicondyle protects the ulnar nerve, which runs in a groove on the back of this epicondyle. The ulnar nerve is vulnerable because it passes close to the surface along the back of the bone. Striking the medial epicondyle causes a tingling sensation in the ulnar nerve. This response is known as striking the "funny bone".[1] The name funny bone could be from a play on the words humorous and humerus, the bone on which the medial epicondyle is located,[2] although according to the Oxford English Dictionary, it may refer to "the peculiar sensation experienced when it is struck".[3]

Additional images

References

This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 212 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)

  1. ^ Saladin, Kenneth S. Anatomy & Physiology: The Unity of Form and Function. McGraw-Hill Publishing Co. ISBN 978-0071316385.
  2. ^ Hendrickson, Robert A. The Facts on File Encyclopedia of Word and Phrase Origins (Facts on File Writer's Library). New York: Checkmark Books. p. 281. ISBN 0-8160-5992-6.
  3. ^ "Welcome to the new OED Online : Oxford English Dictionary". Dictionary.oed.com. Retrieved 2012-03-20.

External links

This article is copied from an article on Wikipedia® - the free encyclopedia created and edited by its online user community. The text was not checked or edited by anyone on our staff. Although the vast majority of Wikipedia® encyclopedia articles provide accurate and timely information, please do not assume the accuracy of any particular article. This article is distributed under the terms of GNU Free Documentation License.

Copyright © 2003-2025 Farlex, Inc Disclaimer
All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional.