Upper extremity bone refers to any bone that is part of the skeletal structure of the upper limb, also known as the arm or the forelimb. The upper extremity bones encompass the bones of the shoulder girdle, the arm, the forearm, and the hand.
The shoulder girdle consists of the clavicle (collarbone) and the scapula (shoulder blade). These bones connect the upper extremity to the axial skeleton and provide stability and mobility to the arm.
The arm bone, known as the humerus, is the largest bone in the upper extremity. It extends from the shoulder joint to the elbow joint and is responsible for the movement of the upper arm. The humerus articulates with the scapula and the radius and ulna of the forearm.
The forearm, also known as the antebrachium, consists of two bones: the radius and the ulna. These bones form the framework of the forearm and allow for rotational movements of the hand and wrist.
Lastly, the hand consists of multiple small bones called the carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges. The carpals are the wrist bones, the metacarpals form the palm, and the phalanges are the bones of the fingers. These bones of the hand allow for precise movements and manipulation of objects.
Overall, the upper extremity bones play a crucial role in providing support, stability, and mobility to the upper limb. They facilitate various movements, from simple tasks like grasping and lifting to complex actions such as writing or playing an instrument.
