Elbow joint

The elbow joint is a synovial joint found in the upper limb between

the arm and the forearm. It is the point of articulation of
three bones: the humerus of the arm and the radius and
the ulna of the forearm. 

The elbow joint is classified structurally as a synovial joint. It is also

classified structurally as a compound joint, as there are two
articulations in the joint. Synovial joints, also called diarthroses, are
free movable joints. The articular surfaces of the bones at these
joints are separated from each other by a layer of hyaline cartilage.
Smooth movement at these joints is provided by a highly viscous
synovial fluid, which acts as a lubricant.

A fibrous capsule encloses the joint, and is lined internally by a

synovial membrane. Synovial joints can be further categorized based
on function. The elbow joint is functionally a hinge joint, allowing
movement in only one plane (uniaxial).

Osteology 

There are three bones that comprise the elbow joint:

 the humerus
 the radius
 the ulna.
These bones give rise to two joints:

 Humeroulnar joint is the joint between the trochlea on the

medial aspect of the distal end of the humerus and the trochlear
notch on the proximal ulna.
 Humeroradial joint is the joint between the capitulum on the
lateral aspect of the distal end of the humerus with the head of the
radius.
The humeroulnar and the humeroradial joints are the joints that give
the elbow its characteristic hinge like properties. The rounded
surfaces of the trochlea and capitulum of the humerus rotate against
the concave surfaces of the trochlear notch of the ulna and head of
the radius
. At the elbow joint, the proximal ends of the radius and ulna
articulate with each other at the proximal radioulnar joint. 

Ligaments of the elbow joint

There are a collection of ligaments that connect the bones forming

the elbow joint to each other, contributing to the stability of the joint.

The humeroulnar and the humeroradial joints each have a ligament

connecting the two bones involved at the articulation:

 the ulnar collateral ligament

 the radial collateral ligaments and
 the annular ligament

 The ulnar collateral ligament extends from the medial

epicondyle of the humerus to the coronoid process of the
ulna. It is triangular in shape, and is composed of three
parts: an anterior, a posterior and an inferior band  

 The radial collateral ligament has a low attachment to the

lateral epicondyle of the humerus. The distal fibres blend with
the annular ligament that encloses the head of the radius, as
well as with the fibres of the supinator and the extensor carpi
radialis brevis muscles.

 The annular ligament also reinforces the joint by holding the

radius and ulna together at their proximal articulation.
The quadrate ligament is also present at this joint, and
maintains constant tension during pronation and supination
movements of the forearm.

MOVEMENT OF ELBOW JOINT

1. FLEXION
2. Extension
 MUSCLE OF ELBOW JOINT

1) BICEPS BRACHII

 ORIGIN

 SHORT HEAD; Tip of coracoid process of scapula

 LONG HEAD; Supraglenoid tubercle of scapula

 INSERTION; Tuberosity of radius and fascia of forearm via

Bicipital aponeurosis
 ACTION; Flexion of forearm
 INERVATION; Musculocutaneus nerve(C5,C6)

2) BRACHIALIS

 ORIGIN; Front of the lower half of hemerus

 INSERTION; Anterior surface of coronoid process of ulna
 INERVATION; Musculocutaneus and radial nerve
 ACTION; Strong flexor of forearm

3) CORACOBRACIALIS
 ORIGIN ;Tip of the coracoid process
 INSERTION;Middle of the medial side of the shaft of the humerus
 INERVATION;Musculocutaneus Nerve
 ACTION;Flexor,Weak adductor of the arm

4) TRICEPS
 ORIGIN;
 LONG HEAD;Infraglenoid tubercle of scapula
 LATERAL HEAD;Upper half of the posterior surface of
the shaft of the humerus above the spiral groove
 MEDIAL HEAD ;Lower half of the posterior surface of the saft
Of the humerus below the spiral groove

 INSERTION; Olecranon process of ulna

 INERVATION; Radial nerve
 ACTION ;Extension of elbow joint
 5) ANCONEUS
 ORIGIN ;Lateral epicondyle
 INSERTION; Lateral side of olecranon process
 INERVATION; Radial nerve

 ACTION; Extension of elbow joint

MOVEMENT MUSCLE

FLEXION Biceps brachii,

Brachialis,
Brachioradials

Triceps
EXTENSION anconeus

Blood supply and innervation

The blood supply to the elbow joint is derived from a number of

periarticular anastamoses that are formed by the collateral and
recurrent branches of the brachial, profunda brachii, radial and
ulnar arteries. Proximal to the elbow joint, the brachial artery, the
largest in the arm, gives off two branches,
a superior and inferior ulnar collateral artery. The profunda
brachii gives off a radial collateral and a middle collateral artery.
These pass towards the joint contributing to the anastomotic loop
supplying the joint. 

Distal to the elbow joint, the radial artery gives off the radial

recurrent artery, and the ulnar artery gives off
the anterior and posterior ulnar recurrent arteries. These
arteries ascend towards the elbow joint, anastamosing with the
branches from the brachial and profunda brachii arteries in the
arm.