Complete radius bone
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radius bone anatomy
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radius bone labeled anatomy forearm ulna
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The radius is one of the two forearm bones, located on the thumb (lateral) side.
Complete anatomy of the radius (quick full summary)
- Type: Long bone
- Position: Lateral forearm (anatomical position)
- Shape pattern:
- Small proximally
- Broad distally (forms most of wrist articulation)
Parts
-
Proximal end
- Head of radius: disc-shaped; superior fovea articulates with capitulum of humerus
- Neck of radius
- Radial tuberosity: insertion of biceps brachii tendon
-
Shaft (body)
- Triangular cross-section
- 3 borders: anterior, posterior, interosseous
- 3 surfaces: anterior, posterior, lateral
- Interosseous border gives attachment to interosseous membrane (between radius and ulna)
-
Distal end
- Radial styloid process (lateral)
- Dorsal tubercle (Lister tubercle) posteriorly
- Ulnar notch medially (for distal radioulnar joint)
- Inferior articular facets for scaphoid and lunate (radiocarpal joint)
Major articulations
- Proximal radioulnar joint (with ulna)
- Humeroradial joint (with capitulum)
- Distal radioulnar joint
- Radiocarpal joint (with scaphoid and lunate)
Main functional points
- Essential for pronation-supination of forearm
- Transmits load from hand to elbow
- Distal radius is a common fracture site (for example, Colles fracture)
Source: Imaging anatomy text and atlas Volume 3, Bones, joints, Vessels and Nerves, p. 93-95; Gray's Anatomy for Students, p. 892-894.
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