Where the radius sits in the skeleton
The radius is the forearm bone on the thumb side. Its lower end forms most of the wrist joint, and it turns around the ulna to rotate the palm up and down. The round head at its upper end meets the capitulum of the humerus and the radial notch of the ulna. The biceps brachii attaches to the radial tuberosity below the head, and the styloid process at its lower end can be felt on the thumb side of the wrist.
Frequently asked questions
Which part of the skeleton is the radius in?
The radius is one of the bones of the shoulder and arm. The clavicle and scapula attach the arm to the trunk, and the humerus, radius and ulna form the arm.
Which bones make up the shoulder and arm?
Each shoulder and arm is made of five bones: the clavicle, scapula, humerus, radius and ulna. The bones of the hand continue beyond them.
Is there one radius or a pair?
The radius is paired: there is one on the left and one on the right, and this page covers both.
Where does the biceps attach?
Its lower tendon attaches to the radial tuberosity below the head of the radius, which is why it both bends the elbow and turns the palm up.
Other bones of the shoulder and arm
Joints of the radius
Compare with similar bones
Bone counts
By region
Read more
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Once the 3D model loads you can turn it and select each part.