Upper limb: Difference between revisions

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== Upper Limb ==
==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.
The '''upper limb''' of the human body, also known as the '''upper extremity''', 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 ==
[[File:Gray1231.png|thumb|right|Bones of the upper limb]]


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


* '''[[Pectoral girdle]]''': Composed of the [[clavicle]] and [[scapula]], the pectoral girdle connects the upper limb to the trunk.
The upper limb is composed of several key anatomical regions:
* '''[[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).


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


* '''[[Shoulder joint]]''': A ball-and-socket joint that allows for a wide range of motion.
The [[pectoral girdle]] connects the upper limb to the trunk and consists of the [[clavicle]] and [[scapula]]. These bones provide attachment points for muscles and support the arm.
* '''[[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 ===
[[File:Pectoral_girdle_front_diagram.svg|thumb|left|Diagram of the pectoral girdle]]
The muscles of the upper limb are responsible for its movement and strength. Key muscle groups include:


* '''[[Deltoid muscle]]''': Responsible for lifting the arm.
===Bones===
* '''[[Biceps brachii]]''': Involved in flexing the elbow.
* '''[[Triceps brachii]]''': Responsible for extending the elbow.
* '''[[Forearm muscles]]''': Involved in movements of the wrist and fingers.


=== Nerves ===
The bones of the upper limb include the [[humerus]] in the arm, the [[radius]] and [[ulna]] in the forearm, and the [[carpals]], [[metacarpals]], and [[phalanges]] in the hand.
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 ===
[[File:Upper_Limb_Bones_with_articular_cartilage.svg|thumb|right|Bones with articular cartilage]]
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.
 
===Joints===
 
The major joints of the upper limb include the [[shoulder joint]], [[elbow joint]], [[wrist joint]], and the joints of the hand. These joints allow for a wide range of motion and dexterity.
 
===Muscles===
 
The muscles of the upper limb are responsible for movement and stability. They include the muscles of the shoulder, arm, forearm, and hand.
 
[[File:Gray1232.png|thumb|left|Muscles of the upper limb]]
 
====Arm Muscles====
 
The arm contains major muscles such as the [[biceps brachii]], [[triceps brachii]], and [[brachialis]]. These muscles are involved in flexion and extension of the elbow.
 
[[File:Arm_muscles_front_superficial.png|thumb|right|Superficial muscles of the arm]]
 
===Nerves===
 
The [[brachial plexus]] is a network of nerves that innervates the upper limb. It provides motor and sensory innervation to the muscles and skin.
 
[[File:Gray326.png|thumb|left|Nerves of the upper limb]]
 
===Blood Supply===
 
The blood supply to the upper limb is primarily provided by the [[subclavian artery]], which continues as the [[axillary artery]] and then the [[brachial artery]]. These arteries branch into smaller vessels that supply the forearm and hand.
 
[[File:Gray414.png|thumb|right|Arteries of the upper limb]]
 
==Function==


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


* '''Manipulation''': The hand and fingers allow for precise movements and manipulation of objects.
* '''Manipulation''': The hand and fingers are capable of precise movements, allowing for tasks such as writing, typing, and grasping objects.
* '''Sensation''': The skin of the upper limb is rich in sensory receptors, providing tactile feedback.
* '''Sensation''': The skin of the upper limb contains sensory receptors that provide information about touch, temperature, and pain.
* '''Communication''': Gestures and hand movements are important for non-verbal communication.
* '''Movement''': The upper limb can perform a wide range of movements, including flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation.


== Evolution ==
==Clinical Significance==
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.
 
Injuries and conditions affecting the upper limb can significantly impact daily activities. Common issues include [[fractures]], [[dislocations]], [[tendonitis]], and [[nerve compression syndromes]] such as [[carpal tunnel syndrome]].
 
[[File:3D_Medical_Animation_Human_Wrist.jpg|thumb|left|3D animation of the human wrist]]
 
==Related Pages==


== Related Pages ==
* [[Lower limb]]
* [[Lower limb]]
* [[Human anatomy]]
* [[Skeletal system]]
* [[Musculoskeletal system]]
* [[Muscular system]]
 
* [[Nervous 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:Musculoskeletal system]]
[[Category:Musculoskeletal system]]
<gallery>
File:Gray1231.png|Upper limb
File:Gray1232.png|Upper limb
File:Pectoral_girdle_front_diagram.svg|Upper limb
File:Upper_Limb_Bones_with_articular_cartilage.svg|Upper limb
File:Arm_muscles_front_superficial.png|Upper limb
File:Gray414.png|Upper limb
File:3D_Medical_Animation_Human_Wrist.jpg|Upper limb
File:Scheme_human_hand_bones-en.svg|Upper limb
File:Branches_of_Brachial_plexus.jpeg|Upper limb
File:Arm_skeleton_comparative_NF_0102.5-2.png|Upper limb
File:Chimpanse.jpg|Upper limb
File:Hylobates_concolor2.jpg|Upper limb
</gallery>

Latest revision as of 10:52, 23 March 2025

Upper Limb[edit]

The upper limb of the human body, also known as the upper extremity, 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.

File:Gray1231.png
Bones of the upper limb

Anatomy[edit]

The upper limb is composed of several key anatomical regions:

Pectoral Girdle[edit]

The pectoral girdle connects the upper limb to the trunk and consists of the clavicle and scapula. These bones provide attachment points for muscles and support the arm.

File:Pectoral girdle front diagram.svg
Diagram of the pectoral girdle

Bones[edit]

The bones of the upper limb include the humerus in the arm, the radius and ulna in the forearm, and the carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges in the hand.

File:Upper Limb Bones with articular cartilage.svg
Bones with articular cartilage

Joints[edit]

The major joints of the upper limb include the shoulder joint, elbow joint, wrist joint, and the joints of the hand. These joints allow for a wide range of motion and dexterity.

Muscles[edit]

The muscles of the upper limb are responsible for movement and stability. They include the muscles of the shoulder, arm, forearm, and hand.

File:Gray1232.png
Muscles of the upper limb

Arm Muscles[edit]

The arm contains major muscles such as the biceps brachii, triceps brachii, and brachialis. These muscles are involved in flexion and extension of the elbow.

File:Arm muscles front superficial.png
Superficial muscles of the arm

Nerves[edit]

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that innervates the upper limb. It provides motor and sensory innervation to the muscles and skin.

File:Gray326.png
Nerves of the upper limb

Blood Supply[edit]

The blood supply to the upper limb is primarily provided by the subclavian artery, which continues as the axillary artery and then the brachial artery. These arteries branch into smaller vessels that supply the forearm and hand.

File:Gray414.png
Arteries of the upper limb

Function[edit]

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

  • Manipulation: The hand and fingers are capable of precise movements, allowing for tasks such as writing, typing, and grasping objects.
  • Sensation: The skin of the upper limb contains sensory receptors that provide information about touch, temperature, and pain.
  • Movement: The upper limb can perform a wide range of movements, including flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation.

Clinical Significance[edit]

Injuries and conditions affecting the upper limb can significantly impact daily activities. Common issues include fractures, dislocations, tendonitis, and nerve compression syndromes such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

File:3D Medical Animation Human Wrist.jpg
3D animation of the human wrist

Related Pages[edit]