Upper limb

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.

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.

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.

Arm

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.

Forearm

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.

Hand

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.

Function

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.

See also

• Lower limb
• Human skeleton
• Muscular system

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