Olecranon

Of or pertaining to the bony tip of the elbow. The olecranon is, in fact, the near end of the ulna, the bone in the forearm, that forms the pointed portion of the elbow. The triceps muscle tendon of the back of the arm attaches to the olecranon. Disease can affect the olecranon. For example, inflammation of the tiny fluid-filled sac (bursa) at the tip of the elbow van occur; it is referred to as olecranon bursitis. And also, for example, a firm nodule can form at the tip of the elbow; it is referred to as an olecranon nodule (and can be found in gout or rheumatoid arthritis). The olecranon is also called the olecranon process of the ulna.

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The prominent curved proximal extremity of the ulna, the upper and posterior surface of which gives attachment to the tendon of the triceps muscle, the anterior surface entering into the formation of the trochlear notch. SYN: elbow bone, o. process, point of elbow, tip of elbow. [G. the head or point of the elbow, fr. olene, ulna, + kranion, skull, head]

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olec·ra·non ō-'lek-rə-.nän n the large process of the ulna that projects behind the elbow, forms the bony prominence of the elbow, and receives the insertion of the triceps muscle

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olec·ra·non (o-lekґrə-non) pl. olecґrana [Gr. ōlekranon] [TA] the proximal bony projection of the ulna at the elbow, its anterior surface forming part of the trochlear notch. olecranal adj

Olecranon in (A), anterior view of the humerus, radius, and ulna and (B), posterior view of the articulated elbow joint.