Joints of the Upper Limb

Overview

Joints of the upper limb provide a wide range of motion, allowing strength and precision in movement. This section introduces the articulations that connect the bones of the shoulder girdle, arm, forearm and hand.

Key Structures

Individual articles describe the structure, ligaments and movements of joints including the shoulder, elbow, radioulnar, wrist and interphalangeal joints. Functional overviews highlight how these articulations contribute to mobility and dexterity.

Clinical Relevance and Learning Focus

A clear understanding of joint anatomy supports the assessment of injury, degenerative disease and dislocation. Learners can apply this knowledge to clinical examination, imaging interpretation and orthopaedic management.

+ Read more
Illustration of the articulating surfaces of the acromioclavicular joint.

The Acromioclavicular Joint

The Sternoclavicular Joint

The Shoulder (Glenohumeral) Joint

Illustration of medial and lateral views of the elbow joint showing the joint capsule and annular, ulnar collateral, and radial collateral ligaments in a color-coded legend.

The Elbow Joint

Illustration of the proximal radioulnar joint and annular ligament.

The Radioulnar Joints

Illustration of the articular surfaces of the wrist joint, including the radius, articular disk, and carpal bones.

The Wrist Joint

Illustration of the articulating surfaces of the metacarpophalangeal joints in the human hand.

The Metacarpophalangeal Joint

Illustration of the proximal interphalangeal joints of the hand.

The Proximal Interphalangeal Joint

Popular

Illustration of the muscles of the anterolateral abdominal wall, highlighting the aponeuroses formed by the flat muscles.
Encyclopaedia

Rectus Abdominis

by Aren Mnatzakanian

Illustration of the superficial cerebral veins draining the superior surface of the cerebrum.
Encyclopaedia

Superior Cerebral Veins

by Janani Lambotharan

Illustration of the thoracic wall showing the origins and courses of the posterior and anterior intercostal arteries, including branches from the aorta and internal thoracic artery.
Vasculature of the Thorax

Vasculature of the Thoracic Wall

by Dr Oliver Jones