Anatomy. Elbow joint: structure, ligaments, muscles and functions

The structure and function of different parts of the body, including bone connections, is studied by anatomy. The elbow joint refers to the bony joints of the free upper limb and is formed as a result of the articulation of the individual parts of the three bones: humerus, elbow and ray.

Joint components

The elbow joint is an unusual bony joint that unites the shoulder and forearm.

Special structure allows you to refer the joint to a complex and combined articulation.

A complex joint is called one, in the formation of which more than two articular surfaces take part. There are three of them in the ulnar:

• Articular surface of the distal epiphysis of the humerus (block and head of the condyle);
• Articular surface of ulna (block-shaped and radial notch);
• Head and articular radius of the radius.

The combined joint refers to those joints in which several independent joints are united by one joint capsule. In the ulnar one capsule is joined by three independent ones.

The anatomy of the human elbow joint is very unusual, it unites 3 different types of articulation in one joint:

• Brachial structure - uniaxial, blocklike;
• The pelvic arm is spherical, but the motion is carried out around two axes (frontal and vertical);
• Radial-fiber - cylindrical (rotation around the vertical axis).

Possible movements in the elbow

The structure of the joint allows you to perform a certain set of movements. This is flexion, extension, rotation (pronation and supination).

Joint capsule

The joint capsule surrounds 3 joints. It is fixed in front and at the sides.

In front and behind it is rather thin, slightly stretched, but on the sides it is protected by ligaments of the elbow joint. Anatomy of the synovial membrane includes bones that are not covered with cartilage, but are in the joint.

Ligaments of the elbow joint

Each bone joint is a complex and thoughtful anatomy. The elbow joint is strengthened by ligaments, which ensure its protection and movements in different planes.

The ulnar collateral ligament begins from the base of the humerus (medial condyle), ends on the ulna (block-shaped notch).

The radial collateral ligament begins from the humerus (lateral epicondyle), divides into 2 bundles that diverge and envelop the head of the radius, and are attached to the ulna (radial notch).

Ring and square ligaments fix the radial and ulnar bones.

The tendons of the elbow joint are attached to the humpy protrusions. The anatomy of this compound is called the "head of the ulna". It is she who suffers most from injuries and injuries.

In addition to the main ligaments of the joint, the interosseous membrane of the forearm also participates in the fixation of bones. It is formed by strong bundles that connect the radial and ulnar bones. One of these bundles goes in the opposite direction from the other, called the oblique chord. It has holes through which the vessels and nerve pass. The oblique chord is the beginning for a number of muscles of the forearm.

Muscles of the elbow joint, anatomy and their functions

There are several unusual bone joints in the human body. They all study the anatomy. The elbow joint is unusual in its own way. It is protected by a good muscular skeleton. The well-coordinated work of all muscles ensures uninterrupted operation of this bone joint.

All muscles affecting the elbow joint can be divided into 3 groups: extensors, flexors, rotators (perform pronation and supination).

Extensors of the joint - triceps brachium (triceps), forearm fasciae forearm and elbow muscle.

Flexors of the joint - biceps arm (biceps), brachial and brachial muscles.

The pronators - the brachial muscle, the round pronator, the square pronator - make rotational movements inside and out.

Supinators - the biceps arm muscle, the arch supports, the brachial muscle rotate the forearm from the inside.

Performing physical exercises that strengthen the listed muscles, it is important to remember the safety precautions. The elbow joint is often traumatized by athletes.

Blood supply of the elbow joint, anatomy

It is very important for the joint to receive in a timely manner the nutrients that come to it along with the blood. It comes to all articulations and muscles from a group of arteries. They consist of 8 branches that are located on top of the joint capsule.

The network of arteries supplying blood to the joint consists of vessels called "anastomosis."

Topographic anatomy of the elbow joint is a very complicated scheme of junction of vessels. Thanks to this scheme, blood flow to the joint is uninterrupted. Outflow is carried out through veins.

Innervation of muscles

What is the process of movement in the joint? There are special neural formations that carry innervation of muscles. It is the radial and middle nerves. They pass along the front of the elbow.

Features of the elbow joint, research methods

The elbow joint is very vulnerable, as it is constantly exposed to physical stress.

Very often, in order to understand the cause of painful sensations, the doctor prescribes additional studies. It can be radiography, MRI, ultrasound, tomography, arthroscopy, puncture of the elbow.

These examinations will reflect the current state of bones and ligaments, articular fissures. The picture of this or that research will reflect his whole anatomy. The elbow joint is a complex joint that requires caution and detailed study with additional equipment.

The main method of diagnosing elbow diseases is radiography. The images are taken in two projections. They allow you to see all the changes in bones.

To determine the diseases of soft elbow components, doctors use other methods of research.

Injuries and diseases

Regular pain in the elbow area may indicate that there are some violations. After the examination, the most frequent diagnosis is arthrosis. It happens and arthritis, and much more.

Osteoarthritis

It occurs much less often than in the knee or hip joints. The risk group includes people whose work is associated with increased stress on the elbow joint, suffered a trauma or an operation on the elbow, with endocrine or metabolic disorders, with arthritis.

The main symptoms: constant aching pain that occurs after physical activity. Passes after rest. A click or a crunch in the elbow. Limitation of the amplitude of motion.

Arthritis

Inflammation of the joint. There are many possible reasons. They can be infections, allergic reactions, high load on the joint, eating disorders.

The form of arthritis can be acute or chronic.

The main symptoms: persistent pain, skin hyperemia, edema, joint mobility restriction.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Most often the elbow joint affects rheumatoid arthritis. His symptoms: stiffness of movements in the morning, symmetrical arthritis (both joints are inflamed), chronic pain, involvement in the painful process of smaller joints (brushes, ankles, wrists, knees).

Epicondylitis

A frequent disease in people whose activities are associated with high loads on the elbow joint (tennis, golf, wrestling).

There are 2 types: lateral, medial.

The main symptoms: pain in the area of the damaged supracondylum, which extends to the muscles of the forearm (front or back). At the onset of the disease, pain occurs after exercise. In the future, pain is felt even from minimal movements.

Bursitis

Inflammation of the joint bag. Most often occurs in people whose activities are associated with permanent injuries to the back surface of the elbow.

The main symptoms: swelling, throbbing pain, swelling in the back of the elbow, limiting the amplitude of motion. Often with the main symptoms, the temperature rises, there is a state of general weakness, malaise, headaches begin.

Injuries

Unwanted physical effects on the elbow can lead to injuries. This is a dislocation, fractures of bones, sprain, hemorrhage in the joint (hemarthrosis), muscle damage, rupture of the joint capsule.

The listed injuries and illnesses are most often found in everyday life. In order to protect yourself from them, you should take preventive measures: avoid excessive stress, give yourself time to rest, it is important to prevent traumatic situations at work, adherence to diet, moderate physical training and joint exercises are needed .