Upper limb: Difference between revisions

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'''Upper limb''' refers to the region in animals that extends from the deltoid region up to and including the hand, also known as the superior extremity or the thoracic limb. In humans, it is commonly referred to as the arm and hand. It includes the shoulder, arm, forearm, wrist and hand.  
== Upper Limb ==
 
The '''upper limb''' of the human body is a complex structure that includes the shoulder, arm, forearm, and hand. It is primarily responsible for a wide range of movements and functions, including manipulation, sensation, and interaction with the environment.


== Anatomy ==
== Anatomy ==


The upper limb is divided into four main segments: the shoulder, arm, forearm, and hand. Each segment contains bones, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels.
=== Bones ===
 
The upper limb consists of 30 bones, which are divided into the following regions:
=== Shoulder ===


The [[shoulder]] is the uppermost part of the upper limb. It is a complex structure that connects the upper limb to the trunk. The shoulder joint is a ball-and-socket joint that allows for a wide range of motion. The main bones of the shoulder are the [[clavicle]], [[scapula]], and [[humerus]].
* '''[[Pectoral girdle]]''': Composed of the [[clavicle]] and [[scapula]], the pectoral girdle connects the upper limb to the trunk.
* '''[[Arm]]''': The arm contains the [[humerus]], which is the longest bone in the upper limb.
* '''[[Forearm]]''': The forearm consists of two bones, the [[radius]] and [[ulna]].
* '''[[Hand]]''': The hand is made up of the [[carpals]] (wrist bones), [[metacarpals]] (palm bones), and [[phalanges]] (finger bones).


=== Arm ===
=== Joints ===
The upper limb contains several important joints, including:


The [[arm]] is the region of the upper limb that extends from the shoulder to the elbow. It contains one long bone, the humerus. The main muscles of the arm are the [[biceps brachii]], which flexes the elbow, and the [[triceps brachii]], which extends the elbow.
* '''[[Shoulder joint]]''': A ball-and-socket joint that allows for a wide range of motion.
* '''[[Elbow joint]]''': A hinge joint that permits flexion and extension of the forearm.
* '''[[Wrist joint]]''': A complex joint that allows for flexion, extension, and other movements of the hand.


=== Forearm ===
=== Muscles ===
The muscles of the upper limb are responsible for its movement and strength. Key muscle groups include:


The [[forearm]] is the part of the upper limb between the elbow and the wrist. It contains two long bones, the [[radius]] and the [[ulna]]. The main muscles of the forearm are involved in wrist and finger movements.
* '''[[Deltoid muscle]]''': Responsible for lifting the arm.
* '''[[Biceps brachii]]''': Involved in flexing the elbow.
* '''[[Triceps brachii]]''': Responsible for extending the elbow.
* '''[[Forearm muscles]]''': Involved in movements of the wrist and fingers.


=== Hand ===
=== Nerves ===
The [[brachial plexus]] is a network of nerves that supplies the upper limb. It originates from the spinal cord and branches into several major nerves, including the [[median nerve]], [[ulnar nerve]], and [[radial nerve]].


The [[hand]] is the distal part of the upper limb. It is a complex structure that allows for fine motor skills. The hand is divided into three parts: the wrist, which contains the [[carpal bones]]; the palm, which contains the [[metacarpal bones]]; and the fingers, which contain the [[phalanges]].
=== Blood Supply ===
The upper limb receives blood from the [[subclavian artery]], which continues as the [[axillary artery]] and then the [[brachial artery]]. Venous return is through the [[cephalic vein]], [[basilic vein]], and other veins.


== Function ==
== Function ==
The upper limb is essential for a variety of functions, including:


The upper limb plays a crucial role in many daily activities, such as eating, writing, and manipulating objects. It is also important in non-verbal communication and body language.
* '''Manipulation''': The hand and fingers allow for precise movements and manipulation of objects.
* '''Sensation''': The skin of the upper limb is rich in sensory receptors, providing tactile feedback.
* '''Communication''': Gestures and hand movements are important for non-verbal communication.


== See also ==
== Evolution ==
The upper limb has evolved significantly in primates, allowing for increased dexterity and manipulation. In humans, the opposable thumb is a key adaptation that enhances the ability to grasp and manipulate objects.


== Related Pages ==
* [[Lower limb]]
* [[Lower limb]]
* [[Human skeleton]]
* [[Human anatomy]]
* [[Muscular system]]
* [[Musculoskeletal system]]
 
== Gallery ==
<gallery>
File:Gray1231.png|Bones of the upper limb
File:Gray1232.png|Muscles of the upper limb
File:Pectoral_girdle_front_diagram.svg|Diagram of the pectoral girdle
File:Gray326.png|Nerves of the upper limb
File:Upper_Limb_Bones_with_articular_cartilage.svg|Bones with articular cartilage
File:Arm_muscles_front_superficial.png|Superficial muscles of the arm
File:Gray414.png|Arteries of the upper limb
File:3D_Medical_Animation_Human_Wrist.jpg|3D animation of the human wrist
File:Scheme_human_hand_bones-en.svg|Bones of the human hand
File:Branches_of_Brachial_plexus.jpeg|Branches of the brachial plexus
File:2134_Thoracic_Upper_Limb_Veins.jpg|Veins of the upper limb
File:Arm_skeleton_comparative_NF_0102.5-2.png|Comparative arm skeletons
File:Chimpanse.jpg|Chimpanzee
File:Hylobates_concolor2.jpg|Gibbon
File:Potamochoerus-hejda.jpg|Bushpig
File:Hippopotamus_lemerlei.jpg|Hippopotamus
File:Lynx_Nationalpark_Bayerischer_Wald_03.jpg|Lynx
File:Sloth1a.jpg|Sloth
</gallery>


[[Category:Anatomy]]
[[Category:Anatomy]]
[[Category:Upper limb]]
[[Category:Musculoskeletal system]]
 
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Revision as of 01:11, 10 February 2025

Upper Limb

The upper limb of the human body is a complex structure that includes the shoulder, arm, forearm, and hand. It is primarily responsible for a wide range of movements and functions, including manipulation, sensation, and interaction with the environment.

Anatomy

Bones

The upper limb consists of 30 bones, which are divided into the following regions:

Joints

The upper limb contains several important joints, including:

  • Shoulder joint: A ball-and-socket joint that allows for a wide range of motion.
  • Elbow joint: A hinge joint that permits flexion and extension of the forearm.
  • Wrist joint: A complex joint that allows for flexion, extension, and other movements of the hand.

Muscles

The muscles of the upper limb are responsible for its movement and strength. Key muscle groups include:

Nerves

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that supplies the upper limb. It originates from the spinal cord and branches into several major nerves, including the median nerve, ulnar nerve, and radial nerve.

Blood Supply

The upper limb receives blood from the subclavian artery, which continues as the axillary artery and then the brachial artery. Venous return is through the cephalic vein, basilic vein, and other veins.

Function

The upper limb is essential for a variety of functions, including:

  • Manipulation: The hand and fingers allow for precise movements and manipulation of objects.
  • Sensation: The skin of the upper limb is rich in sensory receptors, providing tactile feedback.
  • Communication: Gestures and hand movements are important for non-verbal communication.

Evolution

The upper limb has evolved significantly in primates, allowing for increased dexterity and manipulation. In humans, the opposable thumb is a key adaptation that enhances the ability to grasp and manipulate objects.

Related Pages

Gallery

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