The elbow is a complex joint located in the arm where the upper arm bone, known as the humerus, meets the two bones of the forearm, called the radius and ulna. It serves as a pivotal point that facilitates the movement and coordination of the arm. The primary function of the elbow joint is to allow for bending and straightening of the arm, as well as rotating the forearm to perform various tasks.
Anatomy-wise, the elbow joint consists of three main components: the humerus, the radius, and the ulna. The humerus forms the upper portion of the joint and has specific bony landmarks such as the medial and lateral epicondyles, which provide attachment sites for muscles and ligaments. The radius and ulna are the two bones of the forearm that form the lower portion of the joint. The radial head, located at the top of the radius, articulates with the capitulum of the humerus, allowing the forearm to rotate.