The elbow is connected to the wrist via the two bones of the forearm: the radius and the ulna.
The Forearm Bones: Radius and Ulna
The forearm contains two bones, playing a critical role in connecting the elbow and the wrist:
- Radius: The radius extends from the thumb side of the wrist to the elbow.
- Ulna: The ulna extends from the pinkie finger side of the wrist to the elbow.
These two bones run parallel to each other and articulate with both the humerus (the upper arm bone) at the elbow and the carpal bones (wrist bones) at the wrist. The humerus meets the radius and ulna at the elbow joint.
Simplified Explanation
In simpler terms, picture two roads (radius and ulna) connecting two cities (elbow and wrist). One road (radius) starts near the thumb side of the wrist, and the other road (ulna) starts near the pinkie finger side of the wrist. Both roads lead up to the elbow, where they connect with a larger highway (humerus).