Ulnar collateral ligament

Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL)

The Ulnar Collateral Ligament (pronounced: UL-nar kuh-LAT-er-uhl LIG-uh-ment), often abbreviated as UCL, is a key ligament found in the human elbow.

Etymology

The term "Ulnar Collateral Ligament" derives from its location and function. "Ulnar" refers to the Ulna, one of the two bones in the forearm, with which the ligament is associated. "Collateral" means side by side, indicating the ligament's position relative to the other structures in the elbow. "Ligament" is derived from the Latin word "ligamentum," which means "a band," and in medical terms, it refers to the fibrous tissue that connects bones to other bones.

Anatomy

The UCL is composed of three bundles: the anterior, posterior, and transverse. The anterior bundle, the most critical for elbow stability, originates at the Medial Epicondyle of the Humerus and inserts into the sublime tubercle of the Ulna. The posterior bundle also originates at the medial epicondyle but inserts into the medial edge of the olecranon. The transverse bundle, which is less clinically significant, connects the anterior and posterior bundles.

Related Terms

• Elbow: The joint connecting the upper arm to the forearm, where the UCL is located.
• Ligament: A short band of tough, flexible, fibrous connective tissue that connects two bones or cartilages or holds together a joint.
• Medial Epicondyle: A bony prominence located on the inner side of the elbow, where the UCL originates.
• Ulna: One of the two long bones in the forearm, with which the UCL is associated.

See Also

• Tommy John Surgery: A surgical procedure to repair a damaged UCL.
• Lateral Collateral Ligament: The ligament located on the outer side of the elbow, opposite the UCL.

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