The radius is one of the two bones in your forearm, the other being the ulna. It runs from the lateral side of your elbow to the thumb side of your wrist and is positioned parallel to the ulna. Although the ulna is longer, the radius is thicker. This bone plays a vital role in the movement of your arm and wrist, and it also supports various muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
The radius is part of two major joints: the elbow and the wrist. It connects to the humerus (upper arm bone) at the elbow joint and to the carpal bones of the wrist at the wrist joint. This allows for a wide range of movement in both the elbow and wrist, enabling actions like rotating your forearm, bending your wrist, and gripping objects.
Here are some key points about the radius bone:
- It is a long, prism-shaped bone with a slightly curved shape.
- It is responsible for the forearm's rotation, allowing you to turn your palm up or down.
- It helps with the stability and movement of the wrist joint.
- Fractures of the radius, particularly near the wrist, are common injuries.
The radius is an essential part of the human arm's structure and function, enabling a wide range of movements and supporting many important structures.
