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olecranon
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An anatomical illustration of the human forearm and hand from a posterior view, showing labeled muscles and tendons including the triceps brachii, brachioradialis, extensor digitorum, and various extensor and abductor muscles and tendons.
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olecranon

anatomy
Also known as: olecranon process
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Quick Summary

An anatomical illustration of the human forearm and hand from a posterior view, showing labeled muscles and tendons including the triceps brachii, brachioradialis, extensor digitorum, and various extensor and abductor muscles and tendons.
muscles of the forearm; human muscle system Muscles of the forearm (posterior view).

The olecranon is a process of the ulna that projects behind the elbow joint. It forms the upper border of the trochlear notch on the ulna and articulates with the olecranon fossa of the humerus. This articulation allows the olecranon to be felt as the point of the elbow and plays a role in the flexion and extension of the arm. The term "olecranon" originates from Greek words meaning "elbow" and "skull".123

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3 Britannica Sources
  1. ulna
  2. humerus
  3. olecranon

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