Hello, Class!  Today we will continue the "lecture" which began in last week's column and covered the 3 bones (the humerus, radius and ulna) that comprise the elbow joint.  (Some of my valued critics suggested that last week's "lecture" was a bit too technical . . . sorry about that!)  This week, as promised, we will continue on and discuss the soft tissues of the elbow.

The muscles you are probably very familiar with are the biceps and triceps.  The biceps, on the front of the upper arm, is joined by another muscle . . . the brachialis.  The triceps, on the back side of the upper arm is joined by the aconeus muscle.  The portion of the muscle that attached to the bone is called the tendon.  The stability of the elbow is provided by a capsule which wraps around the joints and by strong bands of tissue called ligaments.  There are 3 major nerves that run the length of the arm and cross the elbow joint.   These nerves not only cause the muscles to work properly, but also provide sensation to the arm . . . including the hand and fingers.  There is a sac of fluid, called a bursa, which cushions the tip of the elbow.  Lastly, there is a tissue in the elbow that provides lubrication.  This lubricating tissue is called the synovial membrane.

There you have it!  In these 2 lectures you have learned the anatomy of the elbow.  Next week we will begin discussing some of the things that can "go wrong" with the elbow and how the staff of Alliance Physical Therapy can help with those!  Class dismissed!!!

Yours in health,

Karen