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forearm
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Illustration of the human forearm from an anterior view, showing the superficial layer of muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Major structures including the biceps brachii, brachialis, pronator teres, flexor carpi radialis, and palmaris longus muscles are labeled, along with nerves and arteries such as the median nerve and radial artery. Anterior view illustration of the right radius and ulna arm bones in supination, with labeled anatomical features including the head of radius, olecranon process, trochlear notch, and styloid processes. Anterior view illustration comparing the bones of the human forearm (radius and ulna) on the left and the lower leg (tibia and fibula) on the right, with major anatomical features labeled.
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Muscles of the human forearm
Muscles of the human forearm The forearm contains flexor and extensor muscles, which help control fine movements of the wrist, hand, and fingers.

forearm

anatomy
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Top Questions

What is the forearm?

What types of bones and muscles are found in the forearm?

What movements does the forearm control?

forearm, region of the upper limb located between the elbow and the wrist, consisting of two long bonesā€”the radius and the ulnaā€”that run parallel to one another. These bones are connected by an interosseous membrane and provide structural support for the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that help control fine movements of the wrist, hand, and fingers.

The forearm contains both flexor muscles and extensor muscles, which enable a wide range of precise movements. It is also traversed by major nerves, such as the median, ulnar, and radial nerves, and by blood vessels, including the radial and ulnar arteries.

Functionally, the forearm controls motor movements that are highly precise and that often involve strength, such as those that occur in gripping, or complex twisting motions, such as in pronation (rotating the palm downward) and supination (rotating the palm upward). Many of these movements are essential for performing everyday activities.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica This article was most recently revised and updated by Kara Rogers.