Where the ulna sits in the skeleton
The ulna is the forearm bone on the little-finger side. Its upper end forms the hinge of the elbow with the humerus; the point of the elbow (the olecranon) is part of it. The trochlear notch at its upper end wraps around the trochlea of the humerus, and the triceps attaches to the olecranon behind it. Its head at the lower end can be felt on the back of the wrist on the little-finger side.
Frequently asked questions
Which part of the skeleton is the ulna in?
The ulna 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 ulna or a pair?
The ulna is paired: there is one on the left and one on the right, and this page covers both.
Does the ulna touch the wrist bones directly?
Hardly. A triangular fibrocartilage disc lies between the lower end of the ulna and the carpal bones, so the wrist joint is formed mainly by the radius.
Other bones of the shoulder and arm
Joints of the ulna
Compare with similar bones
Bone counts
By region
Read more
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