AnatomyUpper limbOverview

Main bones of the upper limb

Learning objectives

This study unit will help you to:

Learn the main groups of bones of the upper limb.
Understand the anatomical relations of the bones of the upper limb with each other.
Identify the main joints that the upper limb bones form with one another.

Watch video

For didactic purposes we will divide the bones of the upper limb into the following groups:

The pectoral (shoulder) girdle and arm, consisting of the clavicle, scapula and humerus,
The bones of the forearm, namely the radius and ulna,
The bones of the hand, divided into the 8 carpal bones, 5 metacarpal bones, and 14 phalanges.

This video tutorial will provide you with an overview of each of the bones of the upper limb.

Take a quiz

Solidify your knowledge by taking our quiz on the bones of the upper limb.

To adjust your focus and choose the topics you’ll get quizzed on, try out our customizable quiz:

Browse atlas

Examine the bones of the upper limb one by one in this atlas gallery:

Anterior view

Posterior view

Summary

Key facts about the bones of the upper limb
Shoulder (pectoral) girdle and arm	Clavicle, scapula, humerus
Forearm	Radius, ulna
Hand	Carpal bones: scaphoid, lunate, triquetral, pisiform, trapezium, trapezoid, capitate, hamate Metacarpal bones 1-5 Phalanges: proximal (5), middle (4), distal (5)
Main joints	Acromioclavicular, glenohumeral, elbow, wrist, carpal, carpometacarpal, metacarpophalangeal, interphalangeal joints

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