Movements of the forearm
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At the time the article was created Craig Hacking had no recorded disclosures.
View Craig Hacking's current disclosuresAt the time the article was last revised Patrick O'Shea had no financial relationships to ineligible companies to disclose.
View Patrick O'Shea's current disclosures- Forearm movements
The elbow joint is a modified hinge joint resulting in a wide range of forearm movements.
Forearm flexion
Forearm flexion is rotation in the anatomic plane such that the radius and ulna move anteriorly. It occurs primarily at the articulation between the humerus and ulna and can achieve approximately 150° of movement in most individuals. It is the opposite of forearm extension.
brachialis (primary)
biceps brachii (primary)
Forearm extension
Forearm extension is the opposite of forearm flexion and represents reduction of the angle between the radius and humerus back to the anatomic position (defined as 0°) in the elbow joint. Gravity also assists in extending the elbow when the person is upright.
triceps brachii (primary)
Forearm supination
Forearm supination is the rotation of the radius so the palm faces anteriorly (into anatomical position). It occurs primarily at the proximal radioulnar joint by rotation of the radial head against the radial notch of the proximal ulna, held in place by the annular ligament. It is the opposite of forearm pronation.
supinator (when slow and unrestricted)
biceps brachii (when fast and restricted)
Forearm pronation
Forearm pronation is the rotation of the radius so the palm faces posteriorly (away from the anatomical position). It occurs primarily at the proximal radioulnar joint. Gravity also assists in pronating the elbow. It is the opposite of forearm supination.
pronator quadratus (primary)
References
- 1. Last, R. J., McMinn, R. M. H.. Last's Anatomy, Regional and Applied. (1994) ISBN: 044304662X - Google Books
- 2. Susan Standring. Gray's Anatomy. (2015) ISBN: 9780702052309 - Google Books
- 3. Keith L. Moore, Arthur F. Dalley, A. M. R. Agur. Clinically Oriented Anatomy. (2013) ISBN: 9781451119459 - Google Books
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