The forearm (antebrachium) is one of the uppermost extremities in the human body. It runs between the wrist and elbow and is an important component for everyday movements. Because the forearm is used in this process for nearly the entire day, there are numerous conditions that can occur.
What is the forearm?
Infographic on the to anatomy, location and areas of inflammation in tendonitis. Click image to enlarge. Our forearm is one of the most important extremities of the human body. Without it, many important movements would not be possible. It also consists of comparatively long bones that are connected to the elbow joint and wrist. Directly connected to the forearm is the hand, which with the fingers is one of the most important tools of the human body. Via the forearm, control but also supply via the blood circulation of the hand and fingers takes place. The forearm is therefore crucial for all functions of the hand. Without a healthy and well-functioning forearm, the movement possibilities of our hand would also be limited and a supply of nutrients would not be possible. On the other hand, the forearm merges into the elbow joint. Thus, the forearm is connected to the upper arm, where it is responsible for numerous movements.
Anatomy and structure
The forearm consists essentially of two long bones, the radius (radius) and the ulna (ulna). These run almost parallel to each other. A forearm has several joints: the elbow joint, which merges into the humerus, and the wrist joint, to which the hand is attached. The elbow joint, in turn, consists of a total of three partial joints: the humeral-elbow joint, the humeral-spoke joint and the proximal elbow-spoke joint. In addition, a large number of vessels, muscles and nerves are found in the forearm. The forearm contains extensor and flexor muscles for movement of the wrist and fingers. Three different nerves exist to control these muscles: the radial nerve, the median nerve and the ulnar nerve. Because of this direct connection, diseases in the forearm often affect the hand and fingers as well. The forearm is supplied by the great artery (brachial artery). In the crook of the elbow, this artery divides and passes into smaller branches that provide supply to the hand and fingers.
Function and tasks
Anatomic diagram during outward rotation and inward rotation of the forearm. Click to enlarge. The forearm is primarily an important part of our musculoskeletal system. Connected to it is the hand, one of the most important tools of our body. The hand and fingers are controlled via the forearm, and blood circulation to the hand and fingers also takes place via the forearm. Grasping, holding and other hand movements are therefore only possible through the forearm and its functions. Therefore, the movement of the hand is also directly linked to the forearm: if there are disorders in the forearm, these also affect the hand and fingers and may limit the movement possibilities there. In addition, disorders in the forearm can also trigger disorders in the hand, such as circulatory disorders. The forearm is therefore in almost constant use in everyday life, both for movements and for invisible functions. Numerous movements can be performed through the joints that are connected to the forearm. These joints are some of the most variable joints in our bodies, as they can not only bend and extend, but also make rotational movements possible. This is what makes the numerous movements possible in the first place.
Diseases and ailments
Schematic diagram of the anatomy of the forearm showing the individual muscles. Click to enlarge. Numerous diseases can occur in the forearm. Because the nerve pathways must pass through several bottlenecks as they travel through the forearm, problems often occur. If the nerve cords swell due to inflammation, they can no longer pass smoothly through the nerve pathways at these bottlenecks, and the affected person complains of arm pain, sensory disturbances and, in severe cases, even paralysis. This condition is known in specialist circles as nerve bottleneck syndrome. Another common condition is the so-called carpal tunnel syndrome.This leads to a pinching of nerves, which manifests itself in pain that can radiate to the shoulder and neck under certain circumstances. Gripping and holding with the hand and fingers also causes pain and is also very difficult. In many cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, surgery is recommended to permanently eliminate or alleviate the symptoms. Tendovaginitis is also widespread. It is manifested by severe pain, which is present both during movement and immobilization. In most cases, tendovaginitis is caused by long-lasting, monotonous movements that place a great deal of strain on the forearm. If tendovaginitis is treated properly and in a timely manner, significant improvement will occur after only a few days.
