Superficial Muscles of the Elbow (Posterior View)

The elbow is an example of a hinge joint or a joint moving in one direction, permitting only flexion and extension. Nevertheless, the elbow provides a significant range of movement, and the muscles that create that movement (together with the tendons that attach those muscles to the bones of the elbow and the fuller extents of the arm bones) are numerous and complex.

The elbow joint is formed by three bones—the humerus of the upper arm, and the bones of the forearm, the...

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Elbow Joint, Posterior (Back)

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Full Superficial Muscles of the Elbow (Posterior View) Description

[Continued from above] . . . radius laterally and the ulna medially. The joint is actually formed by the trochlea of the humerus articulating with the ulna and the capitulum of the humerus articulating with the head of the radius. Although there are two sets of articulations, there is only one joint capsule and a large bursa to lubricate the joint and allow the muscles to move over the joint without pain or damage. An extensive network of ligaments helps the elbow joint maintain its stability.

Because so many muscles originate or insert near the elbow, it is a common site for injury. One common injury is lateral epicondylitis or tennis elbow, which means inflammation surrounding the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. Six muscles that control backward movement (extension) of the hand and fingers originate on the lateral epicondyle. Repeated strenuous striking while the muscles are contracted (and especially against force such as that occurring with the backhand stroke in tennis) causes strain on the tendinous muscle attachments and can produce pain around the epicondyle. Rest for these muscles of the elbow will usually bring about recovery.