Anatomy. Elbow joint: structure, ligaments, muscles and functions
The structure and function of different parts of the body, including the joints of bones, 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 individual parts of the three bones: humerus, ulna and ray.
Joint parts
The ulnar joint is an unusual bone joint that unites the shoulder and forearm.
The special structure allows to refer a joint to a complex and combined articulation.
A complex joint is one with the involvement of more than two articular surfaces. In the ulnar region there are three:
- 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 radius.
Combined joint refers to those joints in which several independent joints are united by one joint capsule. In the ulnar in one capsule are combined three independent.
Anatomy of the elbow joint is very unusual, it combines 3 different types of articulations in one joint:
- brachialulate - uniaxial, blocklike;
- brachial - spherical, but movement 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.
Front and back rather thin, slightly stretched, but on the sides it protects the ligaments of the elbow joint. Anatomy of the synovial membrane includes bones that are not covered with cartilage, but are in the joint.
Elastic ligaments
Each bone joint is a complex and thoughtful anatomy. The elbow joint is strengthened with ligaments, which ensure its protection and movements in different planes.
The ulnar collateral ligament begins from the base of the humerus( medial condyle), terminates 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, 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 hocks with hilly 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 bone fixation function. It is formed by strong bundles that connect the radial and ulnar bones. One of these beams 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 harmonious work of all muscles ensures the 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 - the triceps arm muscle( triceps), forearm fascia forearm and elbow muscle.
Flexors of the joint - biceps arm( biceps), brachial and brachial muscles.
Pronators - the brachial muscle, the round pronator, the square pronator rotate inside and out.
Supinators - the biceps brachium of the shoulder, the arch support, the brachial muscle rotate the forearm from the inside.
Doing 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 the veins.
Muscle innervation
What is the process of movement in the joint? There are special neural formations that provide 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, joint space. The picture of this or that research will reflect his entire anatomy. The elbow joint is a complex joint that requires caution and detailed study with additional equipment.
The main method for diagnosing elbow diseases is radiography. The images are taken in two projections. They allow you to see all the changes in bones.
For the definition of diseases of soft elbow components, doctors use other methods of investigation.
Injuries and illnesses
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
Occurs much less frequently than in 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.
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 causes. They can be infections, allergic reactions, high load on the joint, eating disorders.
The form of arthritis can be acute or chronic.
Main symptoms: persistent pain, skin hyperemia, edema, restricted mobility of the joint.
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 illness in people whose activities are associated with high stresses on the elbow joint( tennis, golf, wrestling).
There are 2 types: lateral, medial.
Main symptoms: pain in the area of a damaged epicondyle that extends to the muscles of the forearm( front or back).In the beginning 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 to
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.
These injuries and diseases are most common 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.