Definition
noun
(anatomy) The large process at the proximal end of the ulna of the forearm projecting behind the articulation with the humerus and forms the bony prominence of the elbow
Supplement
The forearm is comprised of two bones, the radius and the ulna. The ulna is the bigger bone of the forearm and articulates with the humerus at the elbow joint. The process at the proximal end of it is the olecranon.
The olecranon is the large curved bony process of the ulna at the elbow. It is opposite to the cubital fossa, which is the depression in front of the elbow. When the hand is in supination position the olecranon is facing towards the back. The posterior surface of the olecranon is smooth and covered by a bursa. The anterior surface forms the upper portion of the semilunar notch.
A related term is the olecranal that is a descriptive word relating to or pertaining to olecranon.
Word origin: Greek olene (elbow) + kranon (head)
See also:
- elbow
- humerus
- articulation
- cubital fossa
- ulna
- forearm
- bursa
- semilunar notch
Related term(s):
