Radius (bone)

Radius (bone)

The Radius (pronounced: /ˈreɪdiəs/) is one of the two large bones of the forearm, the other being the ulna. It extends from the elbow to the wrist and runs parallel to the ulna, which exceeds it in length and size.

Etymology

The term "radius" is derived from the Latin word "radius" meaning "ray". In the context of the radius bone, it refers to the radial or lateral aspect of the forearm.

Structure

The radius is a long bone, prism-shaped and slightly curved longitudinally. It is distinctly compressed at its upper end, and becomes gradually enlarged and cylindrical towards its lower end. The bone can be divided into three parts: the upper end, the body, and the lower end.

Upper end

The upper end of the radius, or the head, is disc-shaped and articulates with the capitulum of the humerus and the radial notch of the ulna.

Body

The body, also known as the shaft or diaphysis, is prism-shaped and slightly curved, allowing it to accommodate the shape of the ulna.

Lower end

The lower end of the radius, or the wrist end, is large and of quadrilateral form. It articulates with the carpal bones and the base of the ulna.

Function

The radius serves as an important structure in the forearm as it is responsible for the movements of the wrist. It also provides attachment for several muscles including the biceps and the supinator muscle.

Related terms

• Radial artery
• Radial nerve
• Radial deviation
• Radial fracture

See also

• Human skeleton
• Bone
• Forearm

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Radius (bone)
• Wikipedia's article - Radius (bone)

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