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.

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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

Tissue Ultrastructure

Ultrastructure of Nerves

by Sam Barnes

Illustration of the anterior thigh muscles, color-coded with a legend identifying psoas major, iliacus, rectus femoris, vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, sartorius, and pectineus.
Encyclopaedia

Rectus Femoris

by Roxanne Salkeld

Illustration of the serratus anterior and pectoralis minor muscles in the deep chest.
Encyclopaedia

Pectoralis Minor

by Dr Oliver Jones