What is the main function of the radius in the forearm?

The radius primarily facilitates forearm rotation (pronation and supination) through its articulation with the ulna. It also forms part of the wrist and elbow joints, transmitting forces from the hand to the arm.

Which joints does the radius articulate with?

The radius articulates with the elbow joint (capitulum of humerus), superior radio-ulnar joint (ulna's radial notch), inferior radio-ulnar joint (head of ulna), and wrist joint (scaphoid and lunate bones).

What are the key bony landmarks of the radius?

Key landmarks include the head (articulates with capitulum and ulna), radial tuberosity (biceps attachment), styloid process (lateral distal projection), and dorsal tubercle (Lister's tubercle, guides extensor pollicis longus).

Which muscles attach to the radius?

Major attachments include biceps brachii (radial tuberosity), flexor pollicis longus and pronator quadratus (anterior surface), and supinator and pronator teres (lateral surface).

How can you determine if a radius is from the left or right side?

Identify side by: head facing upward, styloid process pointing laterally, interosseous border (sharpest) medial, and dorsal tubercle facing posteriorly.

What makes the radius clinically significant?

The radius is the most commonly fractured bone in the forearm (e.g., Colles' fracture in elderly). It's also the only forearm bone articulating directly with wrist bones, crucial for wrist mobility.

What is the role of the radius in forearm rotation?

The radius rotates around the ulna at the radio-ulnar joints, enabling pronation (palm-down) and supination (palm-up) movements of the forearm and hand.

Radius Anatomy – Landmarks, Joints & Forearm Movements

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