Elbow

Three long bones meet in the middle portion of the arm at the elbow joint. The bone of the upper arm (humerus) meets both the ulna (the inner bone of the forearm) and radius (the outer bone of the forearm) to form a hinge joint. The radius and ulna also meet one another in the elbow to permit a small amount of rotation of the forearm. The elbow therefore functions to move the arm like a hinge (forward and backward) and in rotation (turn outward and inward). The biceps muscle is the major muscle that flexes the elbow hinge while the triceps muscle is the major muscle that extends it. The primary stability of the elbow is provided by the ulnar collateral ligament located on the medial (inner) side of the elbow. The outer bony prominence of the elbow is the lateral epicondyle, a part of the humerus bone. Tendons attached to this area can be injured, causing inflammation or tendinitis — lateral epicondylitis, or "tennis elbow". The inner portion of the elbow is a bony prominence called the medial epicondyle of the humerus. Additional tendons from muscles attach here and can be injured, likewise causing inflammation or tendinitis — medial epicondylitis, or "golfer's elbow".

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1. The region of the upper limb between arm and forearm surrounding the e. joint, especially posteriorly. 2. The joint between the arm and the forearm. SYN: cubitus (1) [TA], ancon. 3. An angular body resembling a flexed e.. [A.S. elnboga]

- little league e. SYN: Panner disease.

- Little Leaguer's e. an epicondylitis of the medial epicondyle at the origin of the flexor muscles of the forearm; related to throwing and usually seen in children or adolescents.

- miner's e. inflammation with fluid distention of the olecranon bursa.

- nursemaid's e. subluxation of the radial head from the annular ligament. SYN: Malgaigne luxation.

- tennis e. chronic inflammation at the origin of the extensor muscles of the forearm from the lateral epicondyle of the humerus, as a result of unusual or repetitive strain (not necessarily from playing tennis). SYN: epicondylalgia externa, lateral humeral epicondylitis.

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el·bow 'el-.bō n

1) the joint between the human forearm and the upper arm that supports the outer curve of the arm when bent called also elbow joint

2) a joint in the anterior limb of a lower vertebrate corresponding to the elbow

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n.

the hinge joint (see ginglymus) between the bones of the upper arm (humerus) and the forearm (radius and ulna). It is a common site of fractures and dislocation.

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el·bow (elґbo) [L. cubitus] 1. cubitus. 2. any angular bend.