The elbow

[img_assist|nid=91|title=|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=200|height=363]The primary function of the elbow is to add to the arms ability to position the hand in space, especially to bring the hand back to the body. At rest it is fully extended as the arm hangs by the side and it can only go one way, it can flex almost 180˚ until the muscles in the forearm meet up with those in the upper arm.

Biomechanically the elbow is relatively straightforward since it has only this one simple motion. Two other joints however can be considered as part of the elbow complex. The two bones in the forearm run parallel to each other when the palm is face up and they cross when the palm is face down. They articulate with each other at either end at the proximal and distal radioulnar joints. Although the distal radioulnar joint is closer to the wrist it is considered part of the elbow complex because of the close functional relationship.